Taylor Hampton Legal Update on AI Regulation

Artificial Intelligence AI photo of woman with digital visor Taylor Hampton Soclitors

The online safety act and development of AI regulation in the UK

This article discussed AI regulation in the UK in light of new government initiatives in the digital space.

The UK government has unveiled an ambitious strategy to position the nation as a global ‘superpower’ in artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025. Central to this initiative, in fact,  is the AI Opportunities Action Plan. Accordingly, the plan outlines 50 recommendations to integrate AI across various sectors, aiming to boost economic growth, enhance public services and strengthen national security.

What are the legal challenges?

This increased deployment will bring new legal and compliance challenges.  Indeed, the UK’s evolving approach to AI regulation, hinted at in the King’s Speech last July, indicated plans to establish appropriate legislation for AI. Further, the framework will focus on the development of advanced AI models. Furthermore, while no specific AI bill has been introduced yet, the Online Safety Act, now under Ofcom’s implementation, requires robust measures from online platforms to safeguard users.

Meanwhile, the Cyber Security & Resilience Bill, set to be introduced in Parliament, aims to strengthen the UK’s cyber defences. The plan is to broaden regulatory scope, improve oversight, and necessitate thorough incident reporting. Additionally, the Data (Use and Access) Bill, will probably take effect mid-year, and seeks to harness the potential of data to stimulate economic growth, enhance public services, and strengthen data protection. Therefore, this legislation will establish new standards for data sharing and protection, requiring changes in companies’ data management practices.

UK Government Signs Convention

Notably, the UK, along with the US and the EU, signed the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law on 5 September 2024. Consequently, this international treaty aims to protect human rights and democracy from potential risks associated with AI.

2025 therefore, promises to be a transformative year for the technology sector bringing with it heightened risks that demand a growing landscape of regulation.

Key components of the UK’s plan include:

  • AI Growth Zones: Establishment of dedicated zones to expedite planning approvals and provide necessary infrastructure for AI development. The AI Growth Zone is planned for Culham, Oxfordshire.
  • Enhanced Computing Capacity: A ‘supercomputer’ is to increase public computing resources twentyfold, beginning with the development of a new national supercomputer to support AI research and applications.
  • National Data Library: Creation of a centralized repository to securely unlock the value of public data, facilitating AI development and innovation.
  • AI Energy Council: Formation of a council chaired by the Science and Energy Secretaries to address the energy demands of AI infrastructure, aligning with the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

In addition, the UK wants to invest in ‘home grown’ tech companies.  Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the transformative potential of AI. He states that it can revolutionise public services and enhance productivity, potentially adding £47 billion to the UK economy annually over the next decade. However, the risk posed to the government is in the retention of such companies, as seen with Google’s ‘Deepmind’.  Google conceived ‘Deepmind’ in the UK, but it was subsequently bought and is now owned by a US company.

Artificial Intelligence AI futuristic photo Taylor Hampton SolicitorsConclusion

In summary, while the UK does not incorporate the EU AI Act into its domestic law, UK businesses engaging with the EU market must ensure compliance with the Act. Domestically, the UK is developing its own AI regulatory framework, which may evolve to include more formal legislation in the future.

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For more information on how Taylor Hampton supports clients with digital media matters contact:
Jay Joshi on +44 207 427 5294

 

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