The government has announced new plans for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) which will see the responsibility split across different UK regulators.

Unlike the EU, which gives responsibility for AI governance to a central regulatory body via its AI act, the government is proposing different regulators to take a tailored approach to the use of AI in different settings.

The move comes as the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill is introduced to parliament.

The government said that the new “AI rulebook” would focus on supporting growth and “avoiding unnecessary barriers being placed on businesses”.

It is calling on authorities to consider “lighter touch options”, including guidance and voluntary measures creating sandboxes. Trials would also be encouraged so that businesses can check the safety and reliability of AI tech before introducing it to the market.

Regulators such as Ofcom, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, will be asked by the government to interpret and implement the new principles.

New guidance set by UK regulators would also tackle unfair bias, according to the Department for for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The government warned that if rules around AI in the UK fail to keep up with fast moving technology, “innovation could be stifled” and it will “become harder for regulators to protect the public”.

It said that the new Bill will “seize the benefits of Brexit” to keep high standards for protecting privacy and personal data, while saving £1 billion for UK companies.

“We want to make sure the UK has the right rules to empower businesses and protect people as AI and the use of data keeps changing the ways we live and work,” said digital minister Damian Collins. “It is vital that our rules offer clarity to businesses, confidence to investors and boost public trust.

“Our flexible approach will help us shape the future of AI and cement our global position as a science and tech superpower.”

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