The government is urged to act swiftly, providing a clear regulatory framework to secure the UK’s position as a global AI leader.
Image credit: Automated Analytics
(11 December 2024 London, UK) – Leading UK businesses have issued an urgent call for the government to clarify its approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation. As the global AI sector experiences an unprecedented surge in investment, industry leaders warn that ongoing policy ambiguity risks stalling innovation and pushing developers and investors to more structured markets overseas.
“AI is moving faster than ever, and the UK must move with it,” said Mark Taylor, Founder and CEO of Automated Analytics a global leader in Artificial Intelligence. “Investors are nervous because there’s no clear roadmap for regulation. Every week of delay risks the UK falling further behind. The window to establish ourselves as a global beacon for AI innovation is open now - but it won’t stay open forever.”
This call to action follows an event at the House of Commons, where Automated Analytics showcased its impact, having delivered AI solutions into over 5,000 organisations across the UK, Europe, with 3,500 companies in US. The company highlighted the absence of clarity on UK regulation as a significant barrier to wider adoption, investment, and economic growth.
AI Regulation: A Balancing Act Industry leaders stressed the importance of regulation that balances safety and innovation.
“Our experience navigating AI rules in the US and Europe allows us to advise businesses on compliance while championing best practices,” Taylor added. “Industry needs to bridge the gap with policymakers to ensure a regulatory framework that supports growth without stifling innovation.
"Interpreting and manipulating existing UK laws to address the complexity of AI lacks the legal certainty required for key stakeholders in the AI ecosystem to flourish. Regulation should not be seen as being synonymous with restriction. This is about creating a framework which finds the right balance between protection and innovation for AI companies to develop with confidence," said Ashley Williams, Technology Partner and AI lead at Mishcon de Reya.
Building Bridges Between Government and Industry
“Having engaged with numerous UK AI businesses I am aware of the size of the opportunity and the challenges the industry is facing.” said Lord Ranger of Northwood, Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence. “Government needs to collaborate with the AI sector to develop effective, future-ready regulation. The UK has the expertise and talent to drive exponential economic growth and inward investment, but success depends on engaging developers and businesses to shape regulation that is both practical and progressive.”
Support Across Sectors
The call for clarity is echoed by leading UK businesses and global tech leaders Google, who see regulation as pivotal to scaling AI responsibly and unlocking its transformative potential for industries ranging from transportation to healthcare through to the public sector.
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