The British approach to regulation focuses on high-risk applications, setting aside low risks associated with AI so that innovation will not be hampered, and the industry not burdened with red tape. Unlike the EU approach, where the enforcement of the AI Act will be handed down to a single national regulator for each member state, the UK is planning to give responsibility to a range of them. The principles laid out in the British approach "provide clear steers for regulators, but will not necessarily translate into mandatory obligations", the policy statement warns, encouraging them to "consider lighter touch options in the first instance" instead. London recognises the "inherent cross-border nature of the digital ecosystem" and stresses the need to work "closely with partners" to avoid fragmenting the global market, "ensure interoperability and promote the responsible development of AI internationally". Stakeholders in the AI ecosystem are invited to share their views by the end of September about this regulatory approach to inform a forthcoming White Paper on the implementation of such a strategy.

The UK is setting the stage for its future Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulatory model. Much like the EU, it suggests adopting a risk-based approach but will differ from the bloc by entrusting enforcement to a panel of regulators. The British government presented its "pro-innovation approach to regulating AI" on Monday (18 July) alongside its new Data Protection and Digital Information Bill. It follows the presentation of the National AI Strategy last September, a ten-year plan to ensure the UK becomes a global AI superpower. The country has invested more than £2.3 billion (€2.7 billion) in AI since 2014.

The war of words between Britain and the EU has begun ahead of next month's trade talks. But as Britain sets its own course on everything from immigration to fishing, there is one area where the battle for influence is only just kicking off: the future regulation of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes a part of our everyday lives -- from facial recognition software to the use of "black-box" algorithms -- the need for regulation has become more apparent. But around the world, there is rigorous disagreement about how to do it. Last Wednesday, the EU set out its approach in a white paper, proposing regulations on AI in line with "European values, ethics and rules". It outlined a tough legal regime, including pre-vetting and human oversight, for high-risk AI applications in sectors such as medicine and a voluntary labelling scheme for the rest.