UK Delays AI Rules In Favour Of Comprehensive Legislation

The UK government has delayed its initial AI regulation plans, opting instead for a comprehensive bill to be introduced in the next parliamentary session, likely after May 2026. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle says the broader legislation will address key concerns including AI safety and copyright.

Initially, a narrower bill focused on large language models like ChatGPT was planned. It would have required companies to submit their AI systems for safety checks. But this has been delayed, partly to align with potential U.S. policies under a possible Trump administration, amid fears of deterring tech investment.

Ministers now want to include new copyright rules in the AI bill. The move follows backlash from artists and the creative industry over a separate data bill that would allow AI training on copyrighted content unless creators opt out.

Kyle has pledged to form a cross-party group to address AI and copyright, but criticism continues. Campaigners say the delay risks harming the UK’s creative sector and stalling meaningful AI oversight—something most of the public supports, according to recent surveys.

Experts say the UK is trying to strike a middle ground between U.S. innovation and EU-style regulation.