UK MPs and Lords call for new laws to tackle AI threat to human rights

A cross-party joint committee of UK lawmakers has urged the government to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, citing significant risks to human rights. The committee highlighted concerns regarding public face-scanning, deepfakes, and automated workplace disciplinary actions. They are calling for the establishment of an independent oversight body with enforcement powers to monitor the entire AI supply chain. This demand coincides with growing international pressure from AI leaders, including Anthropic and OpenAI, who have recently advocated for a coordinated global slowdown in development to address safety concerns. While the UK government has established an AI Security Institute, it currently lacks the authority to mandate model testing. Lawmakers argue that existing regulations are insufficient and that new legislation is essential to prevent potential harms from rapidly evolving superintelligent systems, balancing national security interests with the immediate need for public safety.