AI regulation in the UK

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can take many different forms and there is no single, universally agreed definition. The term is frequently used as a shorthand to refer to technologies that perform the types of cognitive functions typically associated with humans, including reasoning, learning and problem solving.

To perform these types of functions, AI systems generally rely on vast quantities of data. This data may be 'structured' (such as financial records stored in a fixed format) or 'unstructured' (including images, videos and text files that are not organised according to a predefined structure).

Both structured and unstructured data can be used to 'train' AI so that it can recognise patterns and correlations. This is achieved by the AI system applying rules (algorithms), based on the training dataset, to interpret new data and perform a specific task.

'Machine learning' describes the process by which AI systems improve their performance without being explicitly programmed. Deep learning is a form of machine learning inspired by the structure of the human brain. It underpins technologies such as voice and image recognition and supports 'foundation models', including large language models (LLMs). LLMs are trained on very large datasets, mainly comprising text, and can generate or interpret language and other content. They can also apply knowledge learned in one context to another, although fine‑tuning by a human is often required.

AI can be categorised in several ways. Narrow AI performs specific tasks, such as speech recognition, and cannot adapt to undertake different tasks. Generative AI has more sophisticated capabilities than narrow AI: it can create new content, such as text and images, by learning statistical patterns in data. Agentic AI goes further by making autonomous decisions and taking actions without prompts. Artificial general intelligence, which does not yet exist, would match human‑level reasoning and understanding.

UK Government legislation and policy on AI Sector-specific AI regulation

The UK does not have any AI-specific regulation or legislation covering AI as a technology. Instead, AI is regulated in the context in which it is used, through existing legal frameworks, such as financial services legislation.

Some regulators, however, have oversight of the development, implementation and use of AI more broadly. For example, the Information Commissioner’s Office (the UK’s independent body established to uphold information rights) has guidance on its website covering AI and data protection and explaining decisions made with AI. The UK also uses non‑statutory principles for AI governance and targeted legislation. This includes the Online Safety Act 2023, which empowers Ofcom to regulate online services, including AI chatbots.

2023 AI white paper

The Johnson and Sunak Conservative governments started developing a more comprehensive regulatory framework for AI. This included publishing strategy documents and a white paper on AI, A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation, in March 2023.

In the AI white paper, the government proposed that AI would continue to be overseen by existing regulators covering specific sectors, such as Ofcom (the UK’s communications regulator) and Ofgem (Great Britain’s energy regulator). This context-based approach to regulation was favoured by the government, and preferred to a single regulatory function, and uniform rules, for governing AI.

2024 Labour government

To date, this approach to AI regulation has been continued by the Labour government. In February 2025, the government said that "most AI systems should be regulated at the point of use" and that "existing expert regulators are best placed to do this". The Labour government signalled in its 2024 election manifesto, and in the 2024 King’s Speech, that it would introduce "binding regulation on the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI models" to ensure their safe development. Legislation, however, has not yet been forthcoming.

The government has published several AI-related policies, including the AI Opportunities Action Plan. AI policies have mainly focused on boosting the AI sector, and promoting innovation in and adoption of AI, to help drive growth and productivity across the UK economy.