AI is in the news headlines almost on a daily basis. 

Last week, at a global summit in Paris, the UK and US refused to sign an international declaration on AI which pledges an “open”, “inclusive” and “ethical” approach to the technology’s development. The UK government said it had not been able to do so because of concerns about national security and “global governance” despite dozens of countries, including France, China and India, signing the declaration. The US Vice President, JD Vance, told world leaders that AI was “an opportunity that the Trump administration will not squander” and that “pro-growth AI policies” should be prioritised over safety. 

What a difference a few months make! In September 2024, the UK, US and EU signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. This was the world’s first AI treaty and included provisions to protect the public and their data, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.  

So where does this leave the UK’s plans for legislation? In January, the Prime Minister set out the Government’s plans to use AI across the UK, pledging to use AI’s power to ”turbocharge” the economy and improve public services.  Last week it published the AI Playbook for the UK Government, which updates and expands on the Generative AI Framework for HMG. This updated guidance aims to “help government departments and public sector organisations harness the power of a wider range of AI technologies safely, effectively, and responsibly.” The foreword states:  

“The AI Playbook will support the public sector in better understanding what AI can and cannot do, and how to mitigate the risks it brings. It will help ensure that AI technologies are deployed in responsible and beneficial ways, safeguarding the security, wellbeing, and trust of the public we serve.”  

The playbook defines 10 common principles to guide the safe, responsible and effective use of AI) in government and public sector organisations: 

Principle 1: You know what AI is and what its limitations are 

Principle 2: You use AI lawfully, ethically and responsibly 

Principle 3: You know how to use AI securely 

Principle 4: You have meaningful human control at the right stage 

Principle 5: You understand how to manage the AI life cycle 

Principle 6: You use the right tool for the job 

Principle 7: You are open and collaborative 

Principle 8: You work with commercial colleagues from the start 

Principle 9: You have the skills and expertise needed to implement and use AI 

Principle 10: You use these principles alongside your organisation’s policies and have the right assurance in place 

We know that the UK will at some point publish an AI Bill. The playbook gives us a clue about key UK AI considerations/approach which could be adopted into legislation.  

By refusing to sign the Paris declaration and publishing the play book, the UK is attempting to promote transparent and trustworthy AI whilst being careful not to upset the big US tech firms (who now have the ear of the Trump administration) and the Trump administration at a sensitive time for the UK/US trade relationship. Time will tell if this strategy is successful. 

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