UK government opens door to AI laws as safety warnings mount

The UK government has indicated it may introduce stricter regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) as safety concerns grow among developers. City AM reports that companies building the world's most powerful AI models have urged for a slower pace of development, citing a potential mismatch between safety measures and technological advancements.

While ministers believe existing laws cover AI issues like data protection and product safety, they acknowledge those rules might not suffice as AI becomes more capable. A government spokesperson emphasized the importance of keeping pace with rapid AI advancements, stating that new measures would be proportionate and aimed at specific risks, while minimizing impacts on growth and innovation.

The government is collaborating with major AI firms and international partners, and its AI Security Institute is developing a "rigorous, scientific understanding" of the risks posed by advanced systems. This shift in policy comes as both OpenAI and Anthropic executives, along with Elon Musk, have called for a slower development pace, warning that safety measures need more time to catch up.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds urged caution, urging ministers not to become overly alarmist while also avoiding complacency. Reynolds also downplayed the idea of a mandatory AI "kill switch," questioning its feasibility given the predominance of advanced AI development in the US and China. Industry leaders, including OpenAI's European policy chief Tom Duff Gordon, have urged the UK to "act now" to establish stronger safety rules, highlighting the potential political window to do so.

Labour had previously pledged to introduce binding regulations for the most powerful AI developers, but instead relies on existing regulations and voluntary agreements. The Joint Committee on Human Rights has called for a new AI Bill and a statutory independent regulator, arguing the current system is inadequate to prevent dangerous models from being released.

Secretary of State Louise Haigh is expected to amplify the pressure, urging ministers to heed warnings from AI developers and work internationally to safeguard public safety and national security. The debate has also created a rift with Washington, as US President Donald Trump criticized attempts to restrict American AI companies, arguing that any slowdown could benefit China.