The pilot scheme is backed by close to £2 million in government funding. It will give AI and digital innovators access to informal advice from regulators.
The government hopes this will make it easier for technological creators to comply with different regulatory regimes which govern the development and deployment of AI models.
The pilot will create a AI and Digital Hub, which will be delivered by the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF), a group of regulators which includes the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and Ofcom.
Michelle Donelan, the secretary of state for science, innovation, and technology, said, “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.
“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 new Hub aims to push forward further AI innovations in a range of sectors, which could include areas such as financial services and online services with a consumer focus.
The pilot scheme announced today looks to deepen the UK’s commitment to a pro-innovation regulatory plan for AI by bringing the country’s regulators and the UK’s growing AI sector together.
The scheme will run for 12 months, with a decision on its potential long-term future expected in 2025.