UK Delays AI Regulation Bill

UK Ministers Delay AI Regulation

UK ministers have delayed proposals to regulate artificial intelligence by at least a year. The delay comes as they plan a large bill to regulate the technology and its use of copyrighted material.

Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, plans to introduce a comprehensive AI bill in the next parliamentary session. This bill aims to address concerns about issues, such as safety and copyright. The bill will not be ready before the next king’s speech, likely triggering concerns about regulatory delays.

The date for the next king’s speech has not been set, but it could take place in May 2026, according to sources.

Original AI Bill and Copyright Issues

Labour had planned to introduce a short, narrowly drafted AI bill focused on large language models. The legislation would have required companies to hand over their models for testing by the UK’s AI Security Institute.

This original bill was delayed, with ministers choosing to align with Donald Trump’s administration in the US. The reason for this was concerns that regulation might weaken the UK’s attractiveness to AI companies. Ministers now want to include copyright rules for AI companies as part of the AI bill.

A government source said they feel they can use the bill to find a solution on copyright. Meetings have occurred with creators and tech people, and there are ideas on moving forward once the data bill passes.

Government Standoff

The government is in a standoff with the House of Lords over copyright rules in a separate data bill. It would allow AI companies to train their models using copyrighted material unless the rights holder opts out. This has caused backlash from the creative sector, with artists opposing the changes.

Peers backed an amendment to the data bill that would require AI companies to disclose if they were using copyrighted material to train their models. This was an attempt to enforce current copyright law. Ministers have refused to back down, even though Kyle has expressed regret about the government's approach.

The government insists the data bill is not the right vehicle for the copyright issue. They have promised to publish an economic impact assessment and technical reports on copyright and AI issues. Kyle has committed to establishing a cross-party working group of parliamentarians on AI and copyright.

Beeban Kidron, a film director and cross-bench peer, said that ministers have harmed the creative industries.

Kyle said AI and copyright should be dealt with as part of a separate comprehensive bill.

Public Opinion on AI Regulation

A survey showed that most of the UK public (88%) believe the government should have the power to stop the use of an AI product if it poses a serious risk. More than 75% said the government or regulators should oversee AI safety rather than private companies alone.

Scott Singer, an AI expert, said the UK is positioning itself between the US and EU. Like the US, Britain is attempting to avoid regulation that could harm innovation while protecting consumers.