Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology by Command of His Majesty on 29 March 2023.
© Crown copyright 2023
The proposed regulatory framework
Our innovative approach to AI regulation uses a principles-based framework for regulators to interpret and apply to AI within their remits. This collaborative and iterative approach can keep pace with a fast moving technology that requires proportionate action to balance risk and opportunity and to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in AI. Our agile approach aligns with Sir Patrick Vallance’s Regulation for Innovation report, which highlights that flexible regulatory approaches can better strike the balance between providing clarity, building trust and enabling experimentation. Our framework will provide more clarity to innovators by encouraging collaboration between government, regulators, industry and civil society.
We have identified the essential characteristics of our regulatory regime. Our framework will be pro-innovation, proportionate, trustworthy, adaptable, clear and collaborative.
- Pro-innovation: enabling rather than stifling responsible innovation.
- Proportionate: avoiding unnecessary or disproportionate burdens for businesses and regulators.
- Trustworthy: addressing real risks and fostering public trust in AI in order to promote and encourage its uptake.
- Adaptable: enabling us to adapt quickly and effectively to keep pace with emergent opportunities and risks as AI technologies evolve.
- Clear: making it easy for actors in the AI life cycle, including businesses using AI, to know what the rules are, who they apply to, who enforces them, and how to comply with them.
- Collaborative: encouraging government, regulators, and industry to work together to facilitate AI innovation, build trust and ensure that the voice of the public is heard and considered.