Governance of artificial intelligence (AI)

Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 20 Oct 2022 Closed: 28 May 2024 Parliament page
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased significantly in recent years. It offers a range of potential benefits such as quicker analysis of large datasets allowing more accurate information, forecasts and predictions, and more personalised public services. However, there are a number of concerns, such as the possibility of … Read more
17 Recommendations
67 Conclusions
2 Reports
9 Oral sessions
2 Letters
9 Events
Activity timeline 24 events
10 Jan
2025
Report published
28 May
2024
Report published
13 Dec
2023
Oral evidence
13 Dec
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
6 Dec
2023
Correspondence
16 Nov
2023
Report published
16 Nov
2023
Correspondence
8 Nov
2023
Oral evidence
8 Nov
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
25 Oct
2023
Oral evidence
25 Oct
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
31 Aug
2023
Report published
Oral evidence sessions 9 sessions
13 Dec 2023
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Work for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
Rt Hon Michelle Donelan · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Sarah Munby · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
8 Nov 2023
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Governance of artificial intelligence (AI)
Emran Mian · Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Matt Clifford · AI Safety Summit
25 Oct 2023
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Governance of AI
Dame Melanie Dawes · Ofcom Jessica Rusu · Financial Conduct Authority John Edwards · Information Commissioner's Office Kate Jones · Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum Will Hayter · Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
24 May 2023
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Governance of artificial intelligence (AI)
Dr Marion Oswald · The Alan Turing Institute and Northumbria University Dr Tony Mansfield · National Physical Laboratory Lindsey Chiswick · Metropolitan Police Michael Birtwistle · Ada Lovelace Institute
10 May 2023
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Governance of artificial intelligence (AI)
Coran Darling · DLA Piper Dr Hayleigh Bosher · Brunel University Jamie Njoku-Goodwin · UK Music Paul Fleming · Equity
29 Mar 2023
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Daisy Christodoulou · No More Marking Dr Matthew Glanville · The International Baccalaureate Joel Kenyon · Dormers Wells High School, Southall, London Professor Rose Luckin · University College London
8 Mar 2023
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Professor Andrew Hopkins · Exscientia Professor Delmiro Fernandez-Reyes · University College London Professor Mihaela van der Schaar · Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, Cambridge University
22 Feb 2023
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Adrian Joseph · BT Group Hugh Milward · Microsoft Jen Gennai · Google Professor Dame Wendy Hall · University of Southampton Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt · Jesus College, University of Oxford
25 Jan 2023
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Panel One; Panel Two
Dr Manish Patel · Jiva.ai Michael Cohen · University of Oxford Mrs Katherine Holden · techUK Professor Michael Osborne · University of Oxford and Mind Foundry
Recommendations & Conclusions
53 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
Rapid ubiquity and development of AI tools surprising even well-informed observers.
While AI is not a new technology, the rapidly acquired ubiquity of tools such as ChatGPT and the rate of development has come as a surprise to even well-informed observers. We are all now interacting with AI models and tools … Read more
Government Response
Responding to the committee's observation on AI's ubiquity, the government highlighted its commitment to an evidence-based approach for AI in education and ongoing initiatives. These include Skills Bootcamps, a new AI Data Specialist Apprenticeship Standard, and funding to Oak National Academy for AI education tools.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
AI as a tool, not sentient machines, guided by human instruction.
Nevertheless, the technology should not be viewed as a form of magic or as something that creates sentient machines capable of self-improvement and independent decisions. It is akin to other technologies: humans instruct a model or tool and use the … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomed the committee's analysis and reiterated its commitment to effective domestic governance and international engagement on AI, referring to its existing AI Regulation White Paper. It noted ongoing work on foundation models and promised a wider update on its regulatory approach later this year.
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3 Conclusion Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
AI models demonstrate transformative potential in healthcare diagnostics and professional time-saving.
AI models and tools can transform healthcare provision, by assisting with diagnostics and, perhaps more significantly, freeing up time for the judgement of medical professionals by automating routine processes.
Government Response
The government is working closely with regulators to equip them for AI, establishing central support functions including a regulatory coordination function. It also announced plans to create the DRCF AI and Digital Hub as a single advisory service for AI innovators.
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4 Conclusion Accepted
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AI technology offers transformative potential for medical research, drug development, and personalised medicine.
The ability of AI models and tools to process substantial volumes of data, and rapidly identify patterns where human researchers might take months or be unable to, makes it a potentially transformational technology for medical research. Either through the development … Read more
Government Response
The government explained its evidence-based approach to AI regulation, without immediate new legislation, and highlighted the establishment of the Frontier AI Taskforce/AI Safety Institute. It also detailed work with frontier AI companies on safety policies, the recent AI Safety Summit, and commitment to establish a Central AI Risk Function.
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5 Conclusion Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
AI tools already provide useful time-saving benefits for education professionals and students.
AI tools are already useful time-savers for education professionals, and whilst reliable data is hard to come by, it seems highly likely that the technology is this generation of students’ calculator or smartphone.
Government Response
The government mentioned the transition of the Frontier AI Taskforce into the AI Safety Institute and affirmed its commitment to supporting AI adoption in public services. It provided specific examples of existing initiatives, including £2 million to Oak National Academy for AI education tools and the Department of Health and Social Care's use of AI for mental health support.
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6 Conclusion Accepted
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AI offers benefits for teachers and pupils, but raises assessment questions for coursework.
The benefits for time-pressed teachers using AI models and tools to help prepare lesson plans are clear, and increased availability of personalised learning and tutoring tools could benefit many pupils. However, widespread use of AI raises questions about the nature … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomed the committee's analysis and reiterated its commitment to effective international action on AI, detailing extensive ongoing engagement through various multilateral fora and bilateral partnerships. It also highlighted the successful outcomes of the recent AI Safety Summit, including the Bletchley Declaration and plans for safety testing.
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7 Conclusion Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
Prioritise equipping children with digital literacy and critical engagement skills for ubiquitous AI.
Education policy must prioritise equipping children with the skills to succeed in a world where AI is ubiquitous: digital literacy and an ability to engage critically with the information provided by AI models and tools.
Government Response
The government highlighted the outcomes of the inaugural AI Safety Summit, including the Bletchley Declaration and an £80 million AI for development collaboration. It also announced the launch of the world's first AI Safety Institute to conduct safety testing and research, committing to wide availability of its work and international partnerships.
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11 Conclusion Accepted
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AI governance requires a more developed central coordinating function beyond the sectoral approach.
The UK Government’s proposed approach to AI governance relies heavily on our existing regulatory system, and the promised central support functions. The time required to establish new regulatory bodies means that adopting a sectoral approach, at least initially, is a … Read more
Government Response
The government is establishing a central regulatory coordination function and a DRCF AI and Digital Hub to provide central support, coordinate regulators, identify overlaps/gaps, and offer a multi-agency advice service for AI innovators.
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12 Recommendation Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis of UK regulators' capacity and powers for AI implementation.
The AI white paper is right to highlight the importance of regulatory capacity to the successful implementation of its principles. The Government should, as part of its implementation of its proposals, undertake a gap analysis of the UK’s regulators, which … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need for regulatory capacity and is working with regulators to ensure they have the necessary skills, expertise, and powers. They are establishing a central regulatory coordination function to identify overlaps and gaps in remits, and have announced a multi-agency advice service (DRCF AI and Digital Hub) to support innovators.
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18 Recommendation Accepted
Ninth Report - The governance of a…
Establish forum for like-minded countries to enhance mutual protection against hostile AI actors.
The summit should aim to advance a shared international understanding of the challenges of AI—as well as its opportunities. Invitations to the summit should therefore be extended to as wide a range of countries as possible. Given the importance of … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms it has convened the inaugural AI Safety Summit with wide international representation, leading to the Bletchley Declaration on shared understanding of AI risks and opportunities. It also acknowledges the value of discussing democratic values and is actively working with nations through the Council of Europe and other partnerships to develop mutual protection against threats.
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1 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Ensure General Election does not stall efforts to increase public trust in AI
With a General Election approaching we have sought to make this Report futureproof and believe that our conclusions and recommendations will remain applicable to future Administrations. It is important that the timing of the General Election does not stall necessary … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the conclusions and recommendations, agreeing on the need for AI-specific legislation. It commits to shortly publishing a consultation outlining legislative proposals for binding regulations on powerful AI model developers, aligning with the call to not stall efforts.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
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Appropriate AI governance can deliver significant benefits for public services and economic growth
If governed appropriately, we believe that AI can deliver on its significant promise, to complement and augment human activity. The Government has articulated the case for AI: better public services, high quality jobs and a new era of economic growth … Read more
Government Response
The government outlined its 'AI Opportunities Action Plan' to drive growth, adoption, and secure infrastructure, talent, and data for AI. It also announced an intention to introduce highly targeted legislation to place binding requirements on developers of the most powerful AI systems to ensure trust and safety.
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3 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Realising AI's societal and economic benefits hinges critically on securing public trust
The Government is right to emphasise the potential societal and economic benefits to be won from the strategic deployment of AI. However, as our interim Report highlighted, the challenges are as clear as the potential benefits, and these benefits cannot … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of public trust in AI for economic benefits and states its intention to introduce targeted legislation to establish binding requirements on companies developing the most powerful AI systems. This legislation aims to strengthen public trust, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and build on existing voluntary commitments and the AI Safety Institute.
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4 Recommendation Accepted
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Ensure the AI regulatory framework effectively addresses the Twelve Challenges of AI Governance.
The Government should certainly make the case for AI but should equally ensure that its regulatory framework addresses the Twelve Challenges of AI Governance that we have identified in our interim Report; and offer potential solutions to in this Report. … Read more
Government Response
The government states its intention to introduce targeted legislation to establish binding requirements on companies developing the most powerful AI systems. This proposed legislation aims to ensure the UK is prepared for the technology, strengthen public trust, and reduce regulatory uncertainty, building on voluntary commitments and the AI Safety Institute.
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5 Conclusion Accepted
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Introduce new AI-specific legislation if current regulatory approaches prove insufficient to address harms.
The next Government should stand ready to introduce new AI-specific legislation, should an approach based on regulatory activity, existing legislation and voluntary commitments by leading developers prove insufficient to address current and potential future harms associated with the technology. Read more
Government Response
The government has committed to introducing appropriate legislation, announced in the King's Speech, to place requirements on developers of the most powerful AI models. It intends to consult on these proposals before bringing the legislation forward.
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6 Recommendation Accepted
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Provide further consideration of specific criteria for triggering a decision to introduce AI legislation.
The Government should in its response to this Report provide further consideration of the criteria on which a decision to legislate will be triggered, including which model performance indicators, training requirements such as compute power or other factors will be … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the findings and confirms its proposal to establish legislation for powerful AI models, as announced at the King’s Speech. It commits to consulting on these proposals before bringing forward legislation, which will include how the most powerful AI models will be captured.
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8 Conclusion Accepted
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Insufficient time remains to implement necessary AI regulatory power updates this Parliament.
We welcome confirmation that the Government will undertake a regulatory gap analysis to determine whether regulators require new powers to respond properly to Governance of artificial intelligence (AI) 53 the growing use of AI, as recommended in our interim Report. … Read more
Government Response
The government is providing £10 million to boost regulators’ AI capabilities and £2 million for the DRCF’s AI and Digital Hub. It also established the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to support regulators, with an initial focus on four areas including AI and Digital in healthcare.
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10 Conclusion Accepted
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General-purpose AI creates regulatory overlap, blurring responsibilities and causing widespread confusion.
The general-purpose nature of AI will, in some instances, lead to regulatory overlap, and a potential blurring of responsibilities. This could create confusion on the part of consumers, developers and deployers of the technology, as well as regulators themselves. Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the potential for regulatory overlap and confirms its strategy of relying on existing expert regulators. It outlines efforts to support coordination and collaboration among regulators through £10m funding for AI capabilities, £2m for the DRCF's AI and Digital Hub, and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to ensure different bodies work together smoothly.
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11 Conclusion Accepted
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Empower the AI steering committee to guide regulators on navigating overlapping remits.
The steering committee that the Government has said it will establish should be empowered to provide guidance and, where necessary, direction to help regulators navigate any overlapping remits, whilst respecting the independence of the UK’s regulators. Read more
Government Response
The government will establish the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to support regulators, speed up approvals, ensure smooth collaboration, and set priorities. It is also committing £10m to boost regulators' AI capabilities and £2m to the DRCF's AI and Digital Hub.
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12 Recommendation Accepted
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Identify areas for closer regulatory co-operation on AI and propose co-ordination mechanisms.
The regulatory gap analysis being undertaken by the Government should identify, in consultation with the relevant regulators and co-ordinating entities such as the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum and the AI and Digital Regulations Service, areas where new AI models and … Read more
Government Response
The government will establish the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to support regulators in working together smoothly and informing the government of regulatory barriers. It also commits £10m to boost regulators' AI capabilities and £2m to the DRCF's AI and Digital Hub, which supports coordination.
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13 Conclusion Accepted
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Sectoral regulators face significant capacity challenges due to increasing prevalence of AI.
The increasing prevalence and general-purpose nature of AI will create challenges for the UK’s sectoral regulators, however expert they may be. The AI challenge can be summed up in a single word: capacity. Ofcom, for example, is combining implementation of … Read more
Government Response
The government commits £10m to boost regulators' AI capabilities, which is part of a broader programme to support regulators. The newly established Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will also support regulators in developing the capability they need.
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14 Conclusion Accepted
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Announced £10 million for AI regulators remains clearly insufficient for the challenge.
The announced £10 million to support regulators in responding to the growing prevalence of AI is clearly insufficient to meet the challenge, particularly when compared to the UK revenues of leading AI developers.
Government Response
The government reiterates its commitment to providing £10m funding to boost regulators’ AI capabilities, stating this is part of a broader programme of work, and also highlights £2m support for the DRCF. It does not commit to increasing the funding in response to the committee's observation of insufficiency.
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16 Conclusion Accepted
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AI offers significant potential to increase productivity across public and private sectors.
AI can be used to increase productivity and augment the contributions of human workers in both the public and private sectors. We welcome the establishment of i.AI and the focus on AI deployment set out in the public sector productivity … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) is now mandatory for all government departments and prioritised arm’s-length bodies, with first records and a scope/exemptions policy to be published imminently. They also highlight ongoing pilots of i.AI tools like Caddy and Redbox in the public sector.
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17 Conclusion Accepted
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Drive safe adoption of AI in the public sector via i.AI and Ministers.
The next Government should drive safe adoption of AI in the public sector via i.AI, the National Science and Technology Council and designated lead departmental Ministers for AI.
Government Response
The government is expanding the Incubator for AI (i.AI) into a new Digital Centre of Government to drive public sector AI adoption, listing several current pilot projects like 'Caddy' and 'Redbox'. It also states that the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) is being rolled out as a mandatory requirement for government departments and priority arm’s-length bodies.
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21 Conclusion Accepted
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AI Safety Institute swiftly established with an impressive and growing expert team.
It is a credit to the commitment of those involved that the AI Safety Institute has been swiftly established, with an impressive and growing team of researchers and technical experts recruited from leading developers and academic institutions.
Government Response
The government commits to introducing legislation in the coming months to put the AI Safety Institute (AISI) on a statutory footing. They also highlight ongoing work in safety testing frontier AI models and expanding international collaboration.
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23 Conclusion Accepted
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AI Safety Institute plays decisive role in shaping UK’s AI regulatory approach.
Although the Institute is not a regulator, it has undeniably played a decisive role in shaping the UK’s regulatory approach to AI. We commend the work of the Institute and its researchers in facilitating and informing the ongoing international conversation … Read more
Government Response
The government expresses pride in the AI Safety Institute's work and confirms its intention to put the Institute on a statutory footing, with further details expected. It highlights the AISI's role in safety testing and international collaboration.
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33 Conclusion Accepted
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Require AI model developers to summarise bias mitigation and report output bias levels.
Model developers and deployers should be required to summarise what steps they have taken to account for bias in datasets used to train models, and to statistically report on the levels of bias present in outputs produced using AI tools. … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) is now mandatory for government departments and includes fields for reporting bias mitigations and training data. DSIT is actively developing robust fairness tests, has provided grant funding for bias-related solutions, and is developing a Responsible AI Toolkit for bias testing and reporting.
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34 Conclusion Accepted
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Ensure AI deployers balance privacy protection with the technology's potential benefits
Regulators and deployers should ensure that the right balance is maintained between the protection of privacy and pursuing the potential benefits of AI. Determining this balance will depend on the context in which the technology is being deployed, with reference … Read more
Government Response
The government states that existing principles-based data protection law (UK GDPR) already allows for striking the right balance between privacy and AI benefits. It details the Information Commissioner’s Office’s (ICO) role, existing guidance, and enforcement powers in this area, including requirements for data protection by design.
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35 Recommendation Accepted
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Publish detailed guidance for AI deployers to balance privacy protection and benefits
Sectoral regulators should publish detailed guidance to help deployers of AI strike the balance between the protection of privacy and securing the technology’s intended benefits. In instances where regulators determine that this balance has not been met, or where the … Read more
Government Response
The government largely points to existing data protection law and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), stating the ICO already publishes guidance for AI systems and possesses a range of enforcement powers to address non-compliance regarding privacy.
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36 Conclusion Accepted
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Government amendment to Criminal Justice Bill addresses AI-assisted misrepresentation
We welcome the Government amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill as a necessary step towards ensuring the UK’s legal framework reflects the current state of technological development and protects citizens, primarily women and girls, from the consequences of AI-assisted misrepresentation, … Read more
Government Response
The government is actively working with the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to identify the most appropriate legislative vehicle to introduce measures to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes and ensure appropriate punishment.
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37 Conclusion Accepted
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Introduce similar AI misrepresentation provisions if current Bill not passed by Parliament
Should the Bill’s remaining stages fail to be completed prior to the dissolution of Parliament, the next Government must introduce similar provisions as soon as is practicable after the General Election.
Government Response
The government committed to banning the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes as part of its manifesto commitments and is actively working with the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to identify the appropriate legislative vehicle to introduce this measure.
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38 Conclusion Accepted
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Safeguard General Election integrity from deepfake content and sanction failing platforms
The Government and regulatory authorities, informed by the work of the Defending Democracy Taskforce, should safeguard the integrity of the upcoming General Election campaign in its approach to the online platforms that host deepfake content which seeks to exert a … Read more
Government Response
The government details existing systems and processes, such as the Defending Democracy Taskforce and the Joint Election Security and Preparedness Unit, that safeguard democratic integrity. It highlights that the Online Safety Act has introduced duties for platforms to mitigate illegal content, including AI-generated deepfakes and foreign interference.
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39 Conclusion Accepted
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Launch cross-Government campaign informing public about AI-assisted misrepresentation risks
A cross-Government public awareness campaign should be launched to inform the public about the growing prevalence of AI-assisted misrepresentation, the potential consequences, what the Government is doing to address the Challenge, and what steps individuals can take to protect themselves … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is addressing the issue through existing initiatives, including updating Ofcom's media literacy duties via the Online Safety Act and providing almost £3 million in grant funding for media literacy projects between 2022-2024. It also mentions an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review focusing on critical thinking skills.
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40 Conclusion Accepted
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Dominance of leading AI developers stifles free and open competition in the market
At the so-called ‘frontier’ of AI a small group of leading developers are responsible for and accruing significant benefits from the development of advanced models and tools—thanks in part to their ability to access the necessary training data. This potential … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act will equip the CMA with new tools to address competition issues in AI markets, with measures set to commence in January 2025. The CMA is also already using its existing tools to analyse AI markets and assess competition impacts.
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41 Conclusion Accepted
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Require CMA to identify and address abuses of market power by AI developers
As the regulator responsible for promoting competitive markets and tackling anti- competitive behaviour, the CMA should identify abuses of market power and use its powers to stop them. This could take the form of levying fines or requiring the restructuring … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act will equip the CMA with new tools, including powers to impose penalties and new merger reporting requirements for SMS firms. These measures are set to commence in January 2025.
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42 Conclusion Accepted
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High-quality input data is crucial for effective AI models and tools
AI models and tools rely on access to high-quality input data. The phrase ‘garbage in, garbage out’ is not new, but it is particularly applicable to AI.
Government Response
The government response outlines existing data protection laws and safeguards for automated decision-making, including the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) and recommendations for human involvement in high-impact generative AI use, without committing to new specific actions.
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43 Conclusion Accepted
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Mandate human review and verification of AI-assisted decisions affecting individuals
The potential for human error and bias notwithstanding, deployers should not solely rely on outputs produced with AI tools to determine their decision-making, particularly in areas that could affect the rights and standing of the individuals or entities concerned, such … Read more
Government Response
The government states that existing UK data protection law already provides safeguards for individuals, including the right to human review and to contest automated decisions. It also notes the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard requires publishing information on human review and the Generative AI framework recommends human involvement.
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44 Conclusion Accepted
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Facilitate UK AI startups' access to anonymised public datasets through a National Data Bank.
The Government and future administrations should support the emergence of more AI startups in the UK by ensuring they can access the high-quality datasets they need to innovate. This could involve facilitating access to anonymised public data from data.gov.uk, the … Read more
Government Response
The government committed to establishing a National Data Library to provide simple, ethical, and secure access to public data assets for researchers and businesses, with work currently underway on its design and implementation. Further detailed recommendations on data access will follow the publication of the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
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45 Conclusion Accepted
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Insufficient details provided on access to dedicated AI Research Resource and supercomputer cluster.
We welcome the Government’s moves to establish a dedicated AI Research Resource and a cluster of supercomputers but are concerned that it has yet to set out further details of how researchers and startups will be able to access the … Read more
Government Response
The government is working with UKRI to develop a long-term plan for the UK’s compute needs ahead of the Spring multiyear spending review and will shortly announce details of how researchers will access the AI Research Resource (AIRR) via a bespoke access model.
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46 Recommendation Accepted
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Publish AI Research Resource action plan and undertake National Compute Cluster feasibility study.
The Government, or its successor administration, should publish an action plan and proposed deliverables for both the AI Research Resource and its cluster of supercomputers, and further details of the terms under which researchers and innovative startups will be able … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to developing a long-term plan for UK compute needs ahead of the Spring spending review and will shortly announce details on how researchers can access the AI Research Resource (AIRR).
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47 Conclusion Accepted
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Adopt regulatory framework acknowledging inherent limitations in AI model explainability.
The Black Box Challenge is one of the most paradigm-shifting consequences of AI, as it upends our well-established reliance on explainability and understanding. Given the complexity of currently available and in all likelihood future models, the starting point should be … Read more
Government Response
The government highlighted the existing Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) as a tool to provide process-level transparency for algorithmic tools in the public sector, without committing to new thinking or a new regulatory approach regarding the 'Black Box Challenge'.
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50 Conclusion Accepted
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Utilise best-suited AI models for public sector deployment when procuring solutions.
When procuring AI models for deployment in the public sector the Government and public bodies should utilise those best suited to the task.
Government Response
The government highlighted its existing AI procurement frameworks and committed that CCS and DSIT will review and simplify public sector routes for procuring AI products, rationalise frameworks, and gather buyer feedback to improve the process.
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51 Recommendation Accepted
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Ensure law enforcement and regulators are adequately resourced for harmful AI content response.
The Government should in its response to this Report tell us how it will ensure law enforcement and regulators are adequately resourced to respond to the growing use of AI models and tools to generate and disseminate harmful and illegal content.
Government Response
The government stated that Ofcom's regulation costs under the Online Safety Act, including for AI-generated content, will be funded by an annual industry fee, ensuring adequate resources and robust enforcement powers. Additionally, the government is investing in deepfake detection, reviewing criminal law for AI-enabled offending, investing in policing skills, and exploring measures to restrict criminal use of AI tools.
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52 Conclusion Accepted
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Unsustainable copyright framework for AI training allows free use, requiring urgent reform.
The growing volume of litigation relating to alleged use of works protected by copyright to train AI models and tools, and the value of high-quality data needed to train future models, has underlined the need for a sustainable framework that … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the need for a sustainable framework and greater clarity on copyright for AI, committing to launch a consultation 'soon' to promote growth in the UK AI sector and creative industries, while also engaging with international partners.
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53 Conclusion Accepted
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Conclude discussions on copyrighted works for AI training and agree implementable framework.
The current Government, or its successor administration, should ensure that discussions regarding the use of copyrighted works to train and run AI models are concluded and an implementable approach agreed. It seems inevitable that this will involve the agreement of … Read more
Government Response
The government intends to launch a consultation soon to address uncertainty in the copyright framework for AI, aiming to promote growth in both the AI sector and creative industries, and remains committed to stakeholder engagement and international cooperation.
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54 Conclusion Accepted
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Publish cross-government guidance on liability for harmful AI uses, establishing it via statute where appropriate.
Nobody who uses AI to inflict harm should be exempted from the consequences, whether they are a developer, deployer, or intermediary. The next Government together with sectoral regulators publish guidance on where liability for harmful uses of AI falls under … Read more
Government Response
The government intends to introduce proposed legislation to reduce regulatory uncertainty for AI developers, make the statute book fit for the age of AI by appropriately assigning accountability, and ensure regulators have the necessary expertise and resources.
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55 Conclusion Accepted
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Increase prioritisation of Lifetime Skills Guarantee and digital Skills Bootcamps for AI skills.
AI is already changing the nature of work, and as the technology evolves this process is likely to accelerate, placing some jobs at risk. At the same time, there are productivity benefits to be won, provided people are equipped with … Read more
Government Response
The government committed to strengthening AI skills through the AI Action Plan, ensuring digital skills development for young people via the DFE’s Curriculum and Assessment Review (final recommendations by Autumn 2025), and developing a comprehensive post-16 education strategy. Skills England will also address national and regional skills gaps by aligning training with employer needs.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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56 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Commission a review into AI's future skills and employment consequences, including retraining for automation.
The current Government, or its successor, should commission a review into the possible future skills and employment consequences of AI, along the lines of the 2017 Taylor Review of modern working practices which examined the landscape, suggested ideas for debate … Read more
Government Response
The government commissioned exploratory research by Ipsos Mori to assess AI skills needs up to 2035, which will guide future policymaking. It will also publish a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education in Spring 2025, addressing worker retraining in light of AI.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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57 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park welcomed, momentum should be maintained.
We welcome the organisation of the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park and commend the Government on bringing many key actors together. We look forward to subsequent Summits and hope that the consensus and momentum delivered at Bletchley Park can … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on sustaining the momentum from the Bletchley Park summit and confirms its continued participation in the AI Summit series, including the AI Seoul Summit (May 2024) and the France AI Action Summit (February 2025).
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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58 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Harmonisation should not be the sole aim of international AI governance discussions.
However, looking beyond the AI safety discussion, we do not believe that harmonisation for harmonisation’s sake should be the end goal of international AI governance discussions. A degree of distinction between different regulatory regimes is, in our view, inevitable. Such … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that harmonisation for its own sake is not the goal and highlights its ongoing international coordination efforts through the AI Summit series (Bletchley, Seoul, France) and other mechanisms to mitigate AI risks.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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59 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Establish international dialogue and best practice sharing at future AI Safety Summits.
Future AI Safety Summits must focus on the establishment of international dialogue mechanisms to address current, medium- and longer-term safety risks presented by the growing use of AI; and the sharing of best practice to ensure its potential benefits are … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that a key aim is to sustain momentum from previous AI Safety Summits (Bletchley, Seoul) and supports upcoming summits (France), using these existing international platforms to coordinate efforts on AI safety risks and share best practices.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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60 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Continue government engagement with experts on high-impact, low-probability existential AI risks.
The debate over the existential risk—or lack of it—posed by the increasing prevalence of AI has attracted significant attention. However, the Government’s initial assessment, that such existential risks are high impact but low probability, appears to be accurate. Nevertheless, given … Read more
Government Response
The government has established the Central AI Risk Function (CAIRF) and a global Network of Experts to assess and mitigate AI-related risks, including existential ones, and will continue to engage experts through upcoming legislative proposals on Frontier AI Safety.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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61 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Governance of artif…
Focus AI regulatory activity on present impacts; assign existential risk to national security apparatus.
When implementing the principles set out in the AI White Paper regulatory activity should be focused on here-and-now impacts. Assessing and responding to existential risk should primarily be the responsibility of the UK’s national security apparatus, supported by the AI … Read more
Government Response
The government will consult on establishing a regulatory regime to address immediate AI risks and confirms that the Central AI Risk Function (CAIRF) already works closely with the national security community on AI risks with national security implications.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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Government Response AI assessment · 84 of 17 classified
Accepted 53
Accepted in Part 2
Acknowledged 17
Deferred 8
Rejected 4
Total 17 recs + 67 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
6 Dec 2023 Correspondence from to Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to Chair, in relation to Governance of Artificial Intelligence, dated 24 November 2023
Parliament page
16 Nov 2023 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology relating to the governance of artificial intelligence, dated 10 November 2023
Parliament page