ICO report examines the opportunities and risks of Agentic AI

The latest Tech Futures report by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) reveals how agentic AI could revolutionise consumer habits, business administration and the delivery of public services. These advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems can independently solve problems and mimic human reasoning to act as proactive shopping agents. By learning individual preferences and behaviours, agentic AI can anticipate needs and execute purchases without direct prompts.

The report highlights how these digital companions may soon monitor bank accounts for budget compliance, negotiate prices with retailers, and source tailored financing agreements. While the ICO acknowledges the potential for these assistants to become a mainstay of modern life, it warns that such technological evolution must not come at the expense of privacy, particularly through poorly designed systems that lead to unnecessary data processing, inadequate cybersecurity measures, or lax governance and accountability. 

The report explores data protection and privacy risks, opportunities for deploying agentic AI, and future considerations for the technology. 

Additional legal analysis by Pinsent Masons. 

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