UK government announces its proposals for regulating AI

On 18 July 2022, the United Kingdom (UK) government set out its new proposals for regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies while promoting innovation, boosting public trust, and protecting data. The proposals reflect a less centralised and more risk-based approach than in the EU's draft AI Act. The proposals coincide with the introduction to Parliament of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, which includes measures to use AI responsibly while reducing compliance burdens on businesses to boost the economy. One of the key challenges of regulating the use of AI is undoubtedly the pace of technology advancement in this area. The UK government's current proposal is to set out the core characteristics of AI, whilst allowing regulators to set out more detailed definitions according to their specific sectors. The government is of the opinion that it should regulate the use of AI, not the technology itself.