The UK’s Labour government announced new artificial intelligence (AI) rules, alongside cybersecurity and digital information bills, during the King’s Speech. This marks a shift from the UK’s previous principles-based, “”pro-innovation”” approach, which had relied on existing laws rather than dedicated AI legislation.
While details are limited, the government plans to regulate companies developing powerful AI models. The proposed regulations could include a statutory code requiring companies to release test data for scrutiny by the AI safety institute. However, the government aims to avoid stifling innovation and may focus on imposing targeted guardrails rather than full prohibitions, unlike the EU’s AI Act.
On cybersecurity, a new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will be introduced to strengthen the UK’s cyber defences. The bill aligns with EU updates to the Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive but will go further by requiring companies to report ransomware incidents and payments, following recent high-profile cyberattacks on UK institutions like the NHS and Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill will streamline data use and sharing in the UK, including exemptions for scientific research and reforms for digital identity providers. It will also restructure the UK’s privacy regulator and update data laws in line with previous proposals that were not finalized before the recent election.
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