Britain’s new Labour government is setting out to regulate the most powerful artificial intelligence models.
In a speech opening the new parliamentary session, King Charles outlined Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ambitious legislative agenda.
It includes over 35 bills addressing diverse issues from housing to cybersecurity.
The government has announced its intention to develop legislation targeting the creators of advanced AI models, aiming to ensure proper oversight of these technologies.
This move contrasts with the previous administration’s approach under Rishi Sunak, who sought to establish Britain as a global leader in AI safety.
Sunak’s tenure saw a major AI safety summit at Bletchley Park.
The world’s first AI Safety Institute was established under Sunak, focusing on cutting-edge models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Nathan Benaich, founding partner of Air Street Capital, said: “AI labs will be collectively breathing a sigh of relief at the government’s decision not to rush ahead with frontier model regulation.”
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Under Sunak, oversight of AI was distributed among various regulators rather than through specific regulations targeting the technology.
Starmer’s government has pledged to enact new AI laws but is adopting a measured approach to their implementation.
Benaich said: “The UK’s cautious, sector-based approach to AI regulation remains a crucial competitive advantage versus the EU, and any moves to change this regime should only be taken with the utmost caution.”
