UK Delays AI Regulation Plans for Comprehensive Safety, Copyright Bill

The UK government has delayed its AI regulation proposals by at least a year, with a comprehensive AI bill now expected in the next parliamentary session, likely by May 2026. Originally, Labour planned a narrowly focused bill targeting large language models like ChatGPT, requiring companies to submit models for testing by the UK AI Security Institute to address safety risks. However, the government postponed this to align with the US administration under President Donald Trump, avoiding regulations that could deter AI companies from operating in the UK. The new bill will address broader issues, including AI safety and copyright, as ministers seek to incorporate copyright rules directly into AI legislation rather than through a separate data bill. The government faces opposition from the creative sector and the House of Lords regarding copyright provisions that would allow AI companies to train models using copyrighted material unless rights holders opt out, with prominent artists backing the campaign against such changes. Officials have indicated ongoing consultations with creators and tech experts to find solutions, with efforts to advance copyright regulations expected to begin after the data bill passes.