UK AI Regulation faces Scrutiny as Public Demands Oversight, Businesses Seek Clarity
LONDON – Calls for robust AI regulation are intensifying in the UK, with new polling revealing overwhelming public support for a dedicated regulator and statutory powers to oversee the rapidly evolving technology. The push for clearer rules comes as ministers grapple with balancing innovation and safety, and businesses cite regulatory uncertainty as a drag on growth, despite recent optimism regarding the UK’s attractiveness as a tech hub.Shadow Technology Secretary Peter Kyle recently advocated for changes to proposed AI regulations to better support UK businesses, acknowledging the current lack of preparedness. “I don’t think we’re ready today. I don’t think we’re even close,” Kyle stated on the ControlAI podcast, echoing concerns voiced by OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman who warned of potentially catastrophic risks from unchecked AI advancement.
Recent YouGov polling demonstrates importent public appetite for oversight: 79% of Brits support the creation of a UK AI regulator. The survey further revealed 96% want audits of powerful AI systems, 90% back pre-approval before training “frontier models,” and 95% desire the authority to shut down unsafe AI. Notably, only 9% of the public trust tech executives to prioritize national safety concerns.
The existing Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI), launched by the previous Conservative government, enjoys broad public support – with 75% backing statutory regulatory powers – but currently operates without such authority. This reflects a broader tension between the UK’s ambition to be a global AI innovation hub and the politically sensitive task of implementing thorough legislation.
Ben Bilsland of RSM UK cautioned that while streamlining approvals is welcome, “there’s danger of overselling what AI can deliver.Regulators need the resources and independence to use these tools responsibly.” Despite this uncertainty, a Barclays survey found 62% of executives now view the UK as a more attractive base for their businesses than Europe.