UK AI Regulation: Delay & New Bill Plans
- London — The United Kingdom is postponing its plans to regulate artificial intelligence, potentially for another year, as ministers grapple with a thorough bill addressing both the technology...
- Technology secretary Peter Kyle intends to introduce a broad AI bill during the next parliamentary session.
- Initially, the Labor Party considered a focused AI bill targeting large language models like ChatGPT.
The UK’s AI regulation is facing a delay, potentially pushing its implementation to 2026, as the government navigates complex copyright concerns within its upcoming AI bill. This postponement, addressing both AI tech and copyrighted material usage, raises critical questions about the speed of governance. Technology secretary Peter Kyle aims to introduce a comprehensive AI bill in the next session, addressing safety and intellectual property rights. The delay stems from copyright disputes, particularly the use of copyrighted material by AI companies for training. The public overwhelmingly supports government oversight of AI safety. News Directory 3 keeps you abreast of the latest developments. The creative industries are taking a hard stance. discover what’s next as the UK attempts to balance innovation with protecting creators’ rights.
UK Delays Artificial Intelligence Regulation Amid Copyright Concerns
London — The United Kingdom is postponing its plans to regulate artificial intelligence, potentially for another year, as ministers grapple with a thorough bill addressing both the technology itself and its use of copyrighted material. This delay raises concerns about the pace of AI governance.
Technology secretary Peter Kyle intends to introduce a broad AI bill during the next parliamentary session. The bill aims to tackle safety and copyright issues, but its completion is not expected before the king’s speech, possibly in May 2026.
Initially, the Labor Party considered a focused AI bill targeting large language models like ChatGPT. This legislation would have mandated companies to submit their models for testing by the UK’s AI Security Institute, addressing fears of AI models becoming dangerously advanced.Though, ministers opted to align with the U.S., delaying the bill to avoid hindering the UK’s appeal to AI firms.
Now, the government aims to incorporate copyright rules for AI companies into the AI bill. A government source indicated this approach could resolve copyright issues, with ongoing discussions between creators and tech companies. This effort will intensify after the data bill passes.
The government faces a standoff with the house of Lords over copyright rules within a separate data bill.The bill proposes allowing AI companies to train models using copyrighted material unless rights holders opt out, sparking opposition from artists like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Kate Bush.
The House of Lords recently supported an amendment requiring AI companies to disclose the use of copyrighted material for training, aiming to enforce existing copyright law. Despite this, ministers have resisted the change, with Kyle expressing regret over the government’s approach. The government maintains that the data bill is not the appropriate vehicle for copyright issues and plans to release an economic impact assessment and technical reports on copyright and AI.
Film director Beeban Kidron criticized ministers, stating thay “have shafted the creative industries” and are willing to harm the UK’s second-largest industrial sector.
Kyle told the commons last month that AI and copyright should be addressed in a separate, comprehensive bill.
A recent survey by the Ada Lovelace Institute and the Alan Turing Institute revealed that 88% of the UK public believes the government should have the power to halt the use of AI products posing serious risks. Over 75% support government or regulatory oversight of AI safety,rather than relying solely on private companies.
What’s next
The UK government will continue to work on the comprehensive AI bill, aiming for introduction in the next parliamentary session. Discussions with creators and tech companies will intensify to find a resolution on copyright issues,with the goal of balancing innovation and protecting intellectual property rights.