UK government calls on 19 regulators to outline efforts to support safe AI adoption

The UK government have asked 19 regulators, including the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and Ofcom, to publish annual updates on their efforts to support investment, innovation and productivity through the safe adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). 

A joint letter from Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, and Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, requests that detailed plans be submitted by May 2026.

The letter outlines that each regulator must provide clear guidance on how existing rules apply to AI use cases and ensure that regulatory approval processes are compatible with AI-enabled products, particularly those that receive regular updates. The government is also encouraging regulators to explore the availability of anonymised or synthetic datasets to aid development and to establish regulatory sandboxes where uncertainty currently hinders innovation.

These reports must include transparent metrics and summaries of key outcomes, identifying any remaining barriers to AI adoption. The letter emphasises that building public confidence in AI safety is essential for effective domestic adoption, and it tasks regulators with removing unnecessary obstacles while maintaining a proportionate and transparent focus on safety.

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