AI regulation

Latest developments

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our society and our economy. With key sectors such as health, education, transport, retail and professional services being transformed, the Labour government wants to harness the massive opportunities brought by AI and make Britain the most attractive place to invest, start-up and grow businesses in AI, as well as tech more generally.  

However, the Labour government also recognises the significant challenges and risks brought by AI, such as ethical, legal, social and technical issues, and is developing its plans to address these.

In 2023, the previous Sunak-led Conservative government introduced the AI White Paper which proposed that existing regulators would regulate AI in accordance with a set of non-binding principles. The previous government was reluctant to introduce binding AI laws which it deemed would stifle innovation. 

However, the Labour government, elected in July 2024, has taken a different approach. Various announcements and proposals indicate that they have a stronger appetite to use legally-binding rules to address the potential harms posed by AI. The King’s speech in July 2024 included a pledge to introduce narrow legislation to place requirements on developers of the most powerful AI models. Then in September 2024, the UK signed the Council of Europe’s AI Convention. 

At Bird & Bird we are tracking developments in UK AI regulation closely as well as the impact such developments could have on our clients. 

How could it be relevant for you?

If you are a developer, deployer, importer, distributor or user of AI systems in the UK, you should be aware of the current and future regulatory landscape for AI in the UK. You should familiarise yourself with the relevant rules and standards that apply to your sector and aspect of AI, such as data protection, privacy, equality, consumer rights, etc. You should also follow the guidance and best practices provided by the regulators and other bodies, such as the ICO and CMA. You should also engage with the regulators and stakeholders in shaping the UK’s AI regulatory approach, by providing feedback, evidence and suggestions on how to improve the existing or proposed rules and standards for AI. 

The bigger picture 

In addition to tracking UK AI regulation, we are tracking, analysing, applying and advising on AI regulation across the world. We are cognisant that the UK is one piece of the puzzle for multinational companies. Whether you are a developer, deployer, importer, distributor or user of AI systems, we can help ensure your practices comply with AI regulation on a regional or global scale.

How we can help

• Intellectual Property: Protecting AI systems and their outputs. We can also help you avoid or resolve disputes over intellectual property infringement or misuse.
• Data Protection: Compliance with the data protection laws and regulations that apply to your use and development of AI tools. 
• Regulation: As experts in the regulatory environment for AI, we can help you navigate existing and emerging regulation and codes of conduct in whichever sector you operate.
• Contracting for AI: Craft contractual relationships which allow you to acquire, develop or commercialise AI successfully and with effective risk management.
• AI in corporate transactions: We understand the building blocks of AI and the legal issues it creates and are experts in corporate transactions where the technology forms a key part of deal value. 
• Ethics and responsibility: We can help you use AI tools in a way that respects human dignity, values, and interests by crafting policies and guidelines for its use. We can also help you promote accountability and transparency in AI development and use. 

*Information is accurate up to 24 September 2024.