UK Government Responds to Calls for Stronger AI Legislation (First Special Report of Session 2024-25)

UK responds to AI committee with plans for targeted legislative consultation

The UK Government has officially responded to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee's recent report on artificial intelligence (AI), signalling its commitment to creating a robust legal framework for AI governance.

This comes amid rising concerns over the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their societal implications.

Here's what the Government plans and why it matters.

Acknowledging the Need for AI-Specific Laws

The Government's response is clear: AI-specific legislation is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. While voluntary commitments and existing regulations have played a role in addressing AI risks, the Government recognises their limitations.

The upcoming consultation on legislative proposals will focus on regulating the developers of the most powerful AI systems. This approach aims to strengthen public trust while reducing regulatory uncertainty for businesses.

“The transformative potential of AI must be harnessed responsibly,” the response states, stresses the need for legislation that safeguards innovation while addressing critical risks.

Empowering Regulators and Closing Gaps

One of the report's key recommendations was a regulatory gap analysis to determine whether existing frameworks sufficiently address AI challenges. The Government agrees but notes that there may be insufficient time to implement changes before the current Parliament concludes.

To support regulators in the interim, £10 million has been allocated to enhance their AI oversight capabilities. However, some committee members have criticised this funding as inadequate compared to the scale of the task.

To streamline efforts, the Government has established the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), which aims to facilitate inter-agency collaboration and ensure smooth regulatory processes across AI applications.

A major focus will be ensuring that regulators have the tools and resources to address risks in their respective sectors.

Public Sector AI Pilots and Ethical Adoption

The public sector is also set to benefit from AI advancements. Initiatives such as i.AI, a government-led incubator for AI projects, are already running pilot programs across various departments.

These include customer service chatbots, legal data tools, and consultation analysis platforms. The Government's Digital Centre is spearheading efforts to integrate AI into public services securely.

A key priority is ensuring ethical AI adoption. Tools like the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) are now mandatory for government departments, requiring detailed documentation on the development and use of AI systems.

AI Safety Institute: Leading the Charge

The AI Safety Institute (AISI) plays a fundamental role in testing and evaluating frontier AI models.

The Government plans to place the AISI on a statutory footing, granting it greater authority to work with developers and oversee safety testing. This step aims to ensure that powerful AI systems are rigorously evaluated for risks such as misuse and societal harm.

Despite its progress, the AISI faces challenges, including limited access to certain proprietary AI models. Negotiations are underway to secure broader cooperation from developers, but concerns persist over the Institute's ability to fulfil its mission if access remains restricted.

International Collaboration and Standards

The UK’s leadership on AI safety has gained international recognition through events like the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit.

The Government plans to build on this momentum by collaborating with global partners, including the EU and US, to shape AI governance frameworks. The UK aims to contribute to shared standards and best practices that address cross-border AI challenges.