UK Government sets out approach to AI innovation

The UK Government has published its first White Paper, setting out how it will guide innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) to both deliver economic growth and ensure public trust in the technology.

In the White Paper, A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation, the government establishes five principles for regulators to facilitate the safe use and innovation for AI across different sectors of the economy:

• Safety, security and robustness
• Transparency and explainability
• Fairness
• Accountability and governance
• Contestability and redress

The approach set out by the UK government aims to allow the country’s rules to adapt to fast-moving developments in AI, balancing protection for the public with ensuring businesses can use the technology to drive growth, create jobs and make further advances with the technology.

Over the next 12 months, regulators will issue practical guidance to organisations, as well as other tools and resources like risk assessment templates, to set out how to implement these principles in their sectors.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

“AI has the potential to make Britain a smarter, healthier and happier place to live and work. Artificial intelligence is no longer the stuff of science fiction, and the pace of AI development is staggering, so we need to have rules to make sure it is developed safely.

“Our new approach is based on strong principles so that people can trust businesses to unleash this technology of tomorrow.”

As part of the White Paper, the government is consulting on new processes to improve coordination between regulators as well as monitor and evaluate the AI framework, making changes to improve the efficacy of the approach if needed.

Organisations and individuals working with AI can share their views on the white paper as part of the consultation, which will inform how the framework is developed in the months ahead.

£2 million will also fund a new sandbox, a trial environment where businesses can test how regulation could be applied to AI products and services, to support innovators bringing new ideas to market without being blocked by rulebook barriers.

Business leaders have welcomed the new proposals set out by government. Clare Barclay, CEO, Microsoft UK, commented:

“AI is the technology that will define the coming decades with the potential to supercharge economies, create new industries and amplify human ingenuity. If the UK is to succeed and lead in the age of intelligence, then it is critical to create an environment that fosters innovation, whilst ensuring an ethical and responsible approach. We welcome the UK’s commitment to being at the forefront of progress.”