UK Delays AI Regulation Plans Amid Shifts in US Policy and Industry Pushback

The Labour government postpones AI safety legislation, citing concerns over international alignment and economic priorities.

The UK government has delayed its planned AI safety regulation bill, originally promised in Labour’s election manifesto, until at least spring 2025.
The delay follows the election of Donald Trump in the US, whose administration revoked a Biden-era executive order on AI safety, creating uncertainty about international cooperation.
Public opinion in the UK strongly favors stricter AI regulations, with a recent poll showing 87% of Britons support mandatory safety testing for AI systems before release.
Labour ministers are re-evaluating proposed measures, such as mandatory pre-release testing by the AI Safety Institute, due to resistance from the tech industry and concerns about US alignment.
The UK is focusing on showcasing AI leadership at international events, such as the upcoming Paris AI summit, while emphasizing a cautious, adaptable approach to regulation.