AI Regulation In The UK: Will The Next Government Introduce AI Legislation?

Approach to AI regulation under the current government

The current government's approach to AI regulation draws on non-binding, cross-sectoral principles. These were to be enforced by sectoral and cross-sectoral regulators using their existing legislative powers. There were no immediate plans to introduce legislation on AI.

Indications on possible AI policy under the next government – legislation for the most powerful AI models?

Both the incumbent, Conservative government and Labour's shadow cabinet have indicated some support for legislation imposing obligations on the most powerful AI models.

The current government confirmed in its White Paper response in February that binding measures would be likely to be required in the future for "highly capable general-purpose AI". It would not "rush to regulate" at that stage, because "introducing binding measures too soon, even if highly targeted, could fail to effectively address risks, quickly become out of date,