On Monday, 8 July 2024, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced that it is to expand in scope and size by bringing in data and artificial intelligence (AI) expertise from the Government Digital Service (GDS), the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) and the Incubator for AI (i.AI).
The move follows the appointment of Peter Kyle as the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on Friday, 6 July 2024.
In related news, former UK Deputy Information Commissioner and PrivacyX Consulting Director Steve Wood wrote a blog article discussing his thoughts on the incoming Labour government's approach to digital policy and regulation.
Wood highlights the challenge in crafting specific AI regulation is in creating "the right balance between unlocking the economic and social benefits of innovating with data, and also safeguarding for risks and harms." Wood argues that this means promoting outcome-driven regulation and accountability rather than tick the box style compliance.
The article also includes areas of reform to the UK data protection regime that Wood believes should be reintroduced from the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill.
A separate article from Silkie Carlo, Director for Big Brother Watch, also considers what to expect from the incoming Labour government. Her initial view is one of concern about the implications for freedom of expression if suggested changes to the Online Safety Act are brought forward. Similarly, Carlo warns the government to take care when regulating artificial intelligence, saying: "AI will be one of the most important issues of this government, with the next five years likely to be pivotal for the most transformational technology of our lifetimes."
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