The UK Government has disclosed its stance on AI innovation and regulation in response to its consultations. In March 2023, a white paper was published outlining a “pro-innovation regulatory framework for AI,” followed by a 12-week discussion period with international stakeholders. The main focus areas of the white paper were safety, security, robustness, transparency, explainability, fairness, accountability, governance, contestability, and redress.
Quoting the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan MP, “The rapid improvements in AI capabilities represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the British people to revolutionize our public services and deliver real, tangible, long-term results for our country.”
The UK government is opting for a context-based regulatory strategy, aiming to be agile and adaptable, in contrast with the more rigid risk-based framework proposed by the EU’s AI Act. Regulatory entities in the UK, such as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), have started incorporating the principles of this white paper.
Notable points from the extensive document include its commitment to ensure worker rights are maintained as AI continues to advance, issuing an updated AI guidance for HR sector, £290 million investment towards AI skills and talent since 2018, forthcoming full skills framework for AI, review of AI’s effect on jobs and sectors, intellectual property protection in AI field and maintaining trust and safety in AI-generated content online.
Additionally, the UK is proud to have hosted the world’s first AI Safety Summit, resulting in the Bletchley Declaration. This formed a large coalition comprising industry leaders, academic professionals, and civil society representatives from top AI nations, including China, despite geopolitical tensions.
Donelan emphasized the UK’s leading role in assessing the opportunities and risks posed by advanced AI, noting that the UK was the first government to formally publish such assessment. With investment of over £100 million, the UK is planning for an innovative and secure future for AI development. Plans include creating a central function for coherent government sectors and the launch of an advisory service, the AI and Digital Hub, geared towards supporting the public sector.
