UK Ministers Delay AI Regulation Amid Plans for More ‘Comprehensive’ Bill

UK ministers have delayed AI regulation by at least a year to plan a comprehensive bill. Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, aims to address safety and copyright issues in the next session. The initial short bill focusing on models like ChatGPT was scrapped due to fears of deterring AI firms. The delay raises concerns amid strong pushback from the creative community regarding copyright reforms and public calls for oversight.

In a surprising twist, UK ministers have announced a delay of at least a year for new regulations on artificial intelligence, marking a significant pivot in the handling of this rapidly evolving technology. The delay comes as Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, prepares a “comprehensive” AI bill aimed at addressing critical issues like safety and copyright.

This legislation, however, won’t be ready in time for the next king’s speech, which might take place as early as May 2026, according to multiple sources. The postponement has raised eyebrows about the government’s commitment to regulating AI, especially as concerns continue to mount over its implications for society.

Initially, Labour had aimed to roll out a streamlined AI bill soon after entering office, primarily focusing on large language models like ChatGPT. The original plan would have mandated companies to submit their AI models for testing to the UK’s AI Security Institute to evaluate potential risks posed by advanced AI systems.

But that initiative was shelved, as ministers chose to align their plans with those of the Trump administration in the US. This decision stemmed from fears that tighter regulations could deter AI companies from setting up shop in the UK. Now, officials are keen to broaden the bill to also encompass copyright rules, acknowledging that current guidelines are insufficient.

A government source shared, “We feel we can use that vehicle to find a solution on copyright,” emphasizing the ongoing discussions with creators and tech experts. They hope to advance these topics seriously once a related data bill is approved.

Yet, tensions are palpable. The government is already entangled in a conflict with the House of Lords over copyright provisions in a separate data bill. The current proposal allows AI firms to leverage copyrighted material for training unless a rights holder actively opts out, a move that has faced harsh criticism from the creative community.

Prominent figures like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Kate Bush have rallied against these changes, leading to a strong backlash from artists who feel their rights are being trampled upon. Recently, House of Lords peers supported an amendment to the data bill requiring AI companies to disclose the use of copyrighted content in their training processes, in a bid to uphold existing laws.

Despite this pressure, ministers haven’t yielded. Kyle has even expressed some regrets regarding the government’s approach but maintains that the existing data bill is not the appropriate framework to address copyright issues. The government has promised to provide an economic impact assessment and a series of technical reports regarding copyright policies tied to AI.

Beeban Kidron, a film director and staunch advocate for the creative sector, condemned the government’s actions, stating that they have “shafted the creative industries and proved willing to decimate the UK’s second-biggest industrial sector.” In recent remarks to the Commons, Kyle reinforced the notion that AI and copyright should be examined under a distinct, all-encompassing bill.

Public sentiment seems to lean towards stricter controls as a recent survey showed that 88% of respondents believe the government ought to have authority to halt AI products posing serious risks. Additionally, over 75% support oversight from the government or regulators for AI safety, rather than leaving it in the hands of private corporations.

In summary, the UK government’s decision to delay AI regulation has stirred significant debate. The push for a more comprehensive bill aims to cover crucial aspects like safety and copyright, but the prolonged timeline raises concerns about effectively managing the rapid evolution of AI technology. As creative sectors voice their apprehensions and public opinion favors stricter regulation, the path forward remains fraught with challenges and evolving stakeholder dynamics. This complex landscape will need careful navigation as the UK seeks to balance innovation with necessary oversight.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com