The regulators, including those for finance, data, digital markets, TV, media, and comms, have been asked to propose how they would tackle AI in their respective industries.

The Government has requested these recommendations be in line with the recent AI white paper, which sets out the “principles for existing regulators to interpret and apply within their remits to drive safe, responsible AI innovation”.

Currently, the needs of publishers, specifically in relation to copyright and intellectual property remain unaddressed, despite these issues being acknowledged in the government’s white paper. Whilst the PPA is pleased that this development is a step towards seeing AI regulated in a broad sense, given there is no statutory regulator responsible for copyright and IP, this leaves creative sectors vulnerable to widespread copyright infringement from AI developers.

In a recent debate, MP Rebecca Long-Bailey maintained the stance that the UK still lacks sufficient AI regulation amidst the pace of development and risks involved.”

She asked what steps the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Michelle Donelan) is doing to ensure that regulators have adequate capacity to implement their AI strategies.

Donelan responded: “Ensuring that regulators have the right skills and capabilities to regulate in their domains is fundamental to the effective delivery of our approach on artificial intelligence regulation. To support that, we have established a central co-ordination function, which will provide regulators with guidance on implementing the regulatory principles and help them identify emerging risks and challenges. The £10 million funding we have announced to jump-start regulator capacity and capability will form a crucial element of this work.”

The PPA is in conversation with the Competition and Markets Authority and the Intellectual Property Office about this latest update and has been in contact with MPs to address these concerns at the highest level of Government.

The regulators have been given until 30 April to respond. The PPA will keep members updated as developments come in. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, contact our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk

To view a list of the regulators contacted by the Government, click here.