Recent interest in AI meant it dominated proceedings. Regulating this fast-moving technology will require flexibility, collaboration, and safeguarding the interests of society
Use technology to deliver transformational change: On 6 June 2023, techUK hosted its 2023 Tech Policy Leadership Conference. Antony Walker (Deputy CEO) used his introduction to launch 'A UK Tech Plan’, a strategy outlining members’ views on how the next government can utilise technology to create a better Britain. With the sector already adding over £150bn to the national economy annually (the largest contribution in Europe), Walker called for the UK to be ambitious and move beyond hype and clichés – seemingly a dig at the Government’s goal to be a ‘science and tech superpower’. As global competitors focus much more strategically on tech, Walker also advocated that it should be at the heart of policy thinking for any political party – but cautioned that digital solutions are not a silver bullet to solve every problem.
Flexibility is the UK’s AI white paper’s strength: Given recent developments (i.e. the emergence of ChatGPT, warnings of doom and calls for its regulation), it was unsurprising that AI dominated the conference. The opening panel acknowledged the heightened interest in AI and a ramping up of public policy conversations on the topic, although also noted an accelerated tension, with people’s ideas about the technology still influenced by science fiction and concerns related to job losses. Speakers highlighted a lack of positive narratives about AI (which could point to the need for media education) despite the benefits it can bring, e.g. helping humans tackle false information online. Nevertheless, a balance must be struck between innovation, responsible behaviour and proportionate regulation. To that end, the recent AI white paper was seen as a sensible approach and an effective middle ground (in stark contrast to the EU’s more prescriptive AI Act) that offers flexibility and a potential competitive advantage for the UK.
Developing regulation means governments working together: Paul Scully (Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy) echoed concerns about focusing on dystopian notions, while underlining the need to avoid ‘bad regulation’ that just acts as a cost for business. In his view, the Government’s AI white paper achieves that by targeting outcomes rather than specific technologies. Still, much of the efforts to create oversight frameworks for AI will be undertaken at the international level, with the UK having the “credibility and pedigree” to lead the process. Brad Smith (Vice Chair and President, Microsoft) also backed cross-country regulatory coordination, stating the UK and US were well placed to work together on cyber and national security matters. While certain AI models will necessitate new rules, possibly featuring ‘safety reviews’, Smith considered that tech firms like Microsoft must step up and implement the right governance systems and processes. This willingness to discuss and be subject to regulation was welcomed by Labour MP Chi Onwurah, although her colleague Lucy Powell (Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS) was critical of the Government’s white paper, calling it a damp squib that was out of date “before the ink was dry”. In Powell’s view, it represented a missed opportunity to properly coordinate leadership within a dedicated authority, instead handing out disparate powers to sectoral bodies.
Digital markets bill will require the DMU to consult its peers: The importance of collaboration was a major talking point on a panel of UK regulators, with the CMA, FCA, ICO and Ofcom all deriving value from the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF). During a period of “massive technological convergence” and increased complexity, regulators must work in a cohesive, joined-up way. Kate Davies (Public Policy Director, Ofcom) considered that there is an onus on them to cooperate and consider new approaches to regulation (for example, sandboxes or spectrum licensing). According to Matthew Braovac (Director, Digital Markets, CMA), the DMCC Bill’s consultation obligations provide for increased multi-agency working. The Digital Markets Unit (DMU), which will oversee compliance with the bill, will have a different role to the CMA’s traditional competition and consumer law enforcement, and is actively considering guidance to help stakeholders engage with the new regime.
