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UK Releases Comprehensive Reports and Guidelines on Generative AI and Data Protection

On February 2, 2024, the House of Lords’ Communications and Digital Committee published a critical report on large language models (LLM), such as ChatGPT, following an in-depth inquiry. The report urges a rebalance of the government's AI focus to address near-term risks, market power, and the need for open competition. Key recommendations include support for AI start-ups, copyright protections, and the development of a sovereign UK LLM.

UK AI Guidelines

UK's House of Lords Report on Large Language Models

On February 2, 2024, the House of Lords’ Communications and Digital Committee released a comprehensive report on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. The report follows an inquiry aimed at determining necessary actions over the next three years to ensure LLMs benefit people, the economy, and society.

Key Findings:

• The government has focused too narrowly on high-stakes AI safety, neglecting near-term risks.

• There is an urgent need to address market power and regulatory capture by vested interests.

• The report calls for prioritizing open competition and transparency.

Recommendations:

• Increased support for AI start-ups.

• Measures to protect copyright holders, including checking training data for copyright breaches.

• Enhancements in computing infrastructure.

• Exploration of an in-house sovereign UK large language model.

Generative AI Framework for HM Government

On January 18, 2024, the Cabinet Office and the Central Digital and Data Office published guidelines for the safe and secure use of generative AI by civil servants and government organizations.

Principles Outlined:

• Ethical and responsible use of generative AI.

• Maintaining security of AI tools.

• Ensuring meaningful human control when necessary.

Practical Steps:

• Building AI solutions with legal, ethical, data protection, privacy, security, and governance considerations in mind.

ICO Consultation on Generative AI and Data Protection

On January 15, 2024, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) initiated a consultation on the application of data protection laws to generative AI models, closing on March 1, 2024. This is the first in a series of consultations aimed at refining the regulatory landscape for AI.

Key Concerns:

• Developers must ensure legality and compliance in AI processes.

• The necessity of valid use cases for training AI with online data.

• Balancing lawful data processing with individuals’ rights and freedoms.

The consultation highlights the challenge of 'invisible' data processing, which complicates individuals' ability to control and understand how their data is used.

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