The British government has put forward proposals for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), a package it promises deviates from the European Union by being a less centralised approach.
The new plans for regulating how AI is used, unveiled in a press release on 18 July, are meant to provide a consistent set of rules that “promote innovation in this groundbreaking technology and protect the public.”
The new AI paper published today outlines the government’s approach to regulating the technology in the UK, with proposed rules addressing future risks and opportunities so businesses are clear how they can develop and use AI systems and consumers are confident they are safe and robust.
The approach is based on six core principles that regulators must apply, with flexibility to implement these in ways that best meet the use of AI in their sectors.
The proposals focus on supporting growth and avoiding unnecessary barriers being placed on businesses. This could see businesses sharing information about how they test their AI’s reliability as well as following guidance set by UK regulators to ensure AI is safe and avoids unfair bias.
Rulebook compliments incoming Bill
The proposals came at the same time a Data Protection and Digital Information Bill was being introduced to parliament, which included measures to use AI responsibly that would simultaneously reduce the level of compliance necessary for businesses.
As a result, regulators in the country, such as the communications regulator Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will apply six principles to oversee AI in a range of contexts.
The Digital Minister Damian Collins said: “It is vital that our rules offer clarity to businesses, confidence to investors and boost public trust. Our flexible approach will help us shape the future of AI and cement our global position as a science and tech superpower.”
An important, but complicated sector
The UK is already home to a thriving AI sector, leading Europe and third in the world for levels of private investment after domestic firms attracted $4.65 billion last year. Research has shown 1.3 million UK businesses will be using artificial intelligence and investing over £200 billion in the technology by 2040.
With a complex system of laws to navigate, businesses can become confused by the latest EU laws. Overlaps, inconsistencies and gaps can bring up further problems for companies.
De-centralised approach to regulating AI
The government claims that instead of giving a centralised body control over regulating AI, like the EU is doing through its AI Act, its strategy will allow different regulators to take a tailored approach to using AI in a range of settings.
It’s core principles require developers and users to:
- Ensure that AI is used safely
- Ensure that AI is technically secure and functions as designed
- Make sure that AI is appropriately transparent and explainable
- Consider fairness
- Identify a legal person to be responsible for AI
- Clarify routes to redress or contestability
- Regulators will be asked to interpret and implement the principles.
They will be encouraged to consider lighter touch options which could include guidance and voluntary measures or creating sandboxes – such as a trial environment where businesses can check the safety and reliability of AI tech before introducing it to market.
Industry experts, academics and civil society organisations dealing with AI would be able to share their views on putting this approach into practice through a consultation underway.
Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Acting Chair of the AI Council, said: “We welcome these important early steps to establish a clear and coherent approach to regulating AI. This is critical to driving responsible innovation and supporting our AI ecosystem to thrive.”
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