The UK government is considering stricter regulations for AI chatbots, with a particular focus on protecting children. Technology secretary Liz Kendall has expressed concerns to MPs regarding potential risks posed by these technologies.
Ofcom has clarified that the Online Safety Act (OSA) extends to AI-generated content, treating it similarly to user-generated content. This includes AI chatbots that allow users to share generated text, images, or videos, as well as platforms enabling users to create their own chatbots. The OSA also covers AI tools used for searching multiple websites or databases. Services that host or feature AI tools capable of generating pornographic material also fall under the obligations of the act.
While the UK currently lacks a dedicated AI act, it adopts a principles-based approach, tasking existing regulators with overseeing AI within their respective sectors. The government emphasizes safety, transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI development and deployment. The Online Safety Act imposes duties on services to limit harms to users through available content.
