A new online hub designed to offer AI developers informal advice on proper development and release of AI models, has been launched.
The AI and Digital Hub, backed by around £2million in Government funding, will initially be a pilot scheme, providing guidance from various regulators on navigating the regulatory environment. The Digital Regulation Co-operation Forum, the Competition and Markets Authority,, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Information Commissioner's Office and Ofcom, are behind its creation.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) stated that the new hub would simplify the process for businesses to responsibly and swiftly bring their AI technology to market, thereby boosting the economy. The Government has opted to use existing regulators to monitor artificial intelligence use within their sectors, rather than establishing a new, central regulator dedicated to the emerging technology. Ministers believe this approach is more agile.
Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said the hub scheme would help further refine that approach. "AI innovations are already transforming how we tackle and diagnose diseases like cancer, improving our public services, and ramping up productivity. It is the defining technology of our generation," she said.
"Through the AI and Digital Hub, we can bring groundbreaking innovators together with our expert regulators to streamline the process of harnessing the technology's incredible potential. Our regulatory approach to AI places innovation at its heart, and this pilot scheme will play a vital role in helping us to refine that approach both now and in the years to come."
The DSIT confirmed that the hub pilot scheme will operate for 12 months, with a verdict on its future prospects expected in 2025.