Ministers have postponed the introduction of regulatory measures for artificial intelligence as the UK aims to coordinate its approach with the policies of the Trump administration, sources have disclosed to the Guardian.
A crucial AI legislation, initially scheduled for release before Christmas, is now unlikely to be tabled in Parliament until after summer, according to insights from three Labour insiders.
The proposed bill would have compelled firms to submit large AI models, such as ChatGPT, for evaluation by the UK’s AI Security Institute shortly after the government’s inception.
It was designed as a response to the growing concerns about the potential existential risks posed by advanced AI technologies, distinct from other proposals concerning the use of copyrighted material by AI firms.
However, the re-election of Donald Trump has prompted a strategic reassessment. A senior Labour figure noted that the bill is now “properly in the background,” with no concrete proposals currently on the table. “They aimed for a pre-Christmas release – now it’s been pushed to summer,” the source explained.
Another Labour representative aware of the legislative developments indicated that although a version of the bill was ready months ago, it is now uncertain due to concerns that premature regulation might diminish the UK’s appeal to AI enterprises.
Trump has reversed his predecessor Joe Biden’s initiatives to regulate AI and has annulled an executive order aimed at ensuring the technology’s safety and reliability.
The future of the US AI Safety Institute, established by Biden, hangs in the balance following the resignation of its director earlier this month.
At a recent AI summit in Paris, JD Vance, the US Vice President, expressed strong opposition to Europe’s planned regulations on the technology.
Aligning with the US stance, the UK declined to sign the Paris declaration, which was endorsed by 66 other nations.
Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to Washington, is reportedly preparing proposals to position the UK as the primary hub for US AI investments.
Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science and Technology, hinted at progress in the legislation during a committee meeting in December. However, earlier this month, Patrick Vallance, the Science Minister, informed MPs that there was currently “no bill.”
A government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to advancing legislation that will harness the extensive benefits of AI safely in the coming years. “We are continuing to engage extensively to refine our proposals and will initiate a public consultation in due course to ensure our approach is robust and effective against this rapidly developing technology,” the spokesperson added.
Separately, ministers are facing scrutiny over plans to permit AI firms to use online content, including artistic works, for model training without copyright permission, a move opposed by artists such as Paul McCartney and Elton John, who argue it undermines traditional copyright laws that protect artists’ livelihoods.
