The UK government's response to a parliamentary report on artificial intelligence (AI) has prompted calls for increased intervention in the field. The report, issued by the House of Lords in February, focused on generative AI and large language models, drawing attention to the government's emphasis on regulating high-risk AI. Critics argue that this approach may hinder international competitiveness.
In her response to the report, Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan affirmed that the government's AI regulation aligns with most of Parliament's recommendations. However, Baroness Beeston Stowell, a member of the House of Lords, urged the government to expand its efforts beyond current measures. Specifically, she emphasized the need for more robust interventions in addressing copyright infringement and promoting market competition within the AI sector.
Stowell, who chairs the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, underscored the necessity of updating copyright legislation and expressed frustration over previous attempts that failed to yield tangible results. She called for greater ministerial engagement and clarity on the government's next steps in strengthening AI standards and governance.
Furthermore, Stowell advocated for policy discussions focused on enhancing market competition regulation. She suggested embedding market competition as an explicit policy objective in the design and review processes of new policies and standards. This approach, she argued, would facilitate constructive internal and external critiques.
Meanwhile, recent government actions signal a growing acceptance of AI regulatory reform. Notably, the UK's National Crime Agency and police were granted expanded powers to seize and freeze cryptocurrencies linked to criminal activities. Home Secretary James Cleverley emphasized the importance of preventing criminals from profiting unlawfully, citing instances of terrorist groups using crypto transactions for fundraising. These regulatory developments follow the passage of a crime bill in 2023 aimed at facilitating the swift seizure of cryptocurrencies.
