AI and the law in the United Kingdom
The King's Speech of May 2026 did not include a standalone AI bill. The UK continues to regulate AI through existing laws and regulators. Private members' bills on AI regulation appear in the live list below when before Parliament.
Acts in force
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
Rewrites UK GDPR rules on automated decisions (Articles 22A to 22D): significant solely-automated decisions need information, a way to contest and human intervention.
Online Safety Act 2023
User-to-user and search services must assess and reduce risks of illegal and harmful content, protect children, keep records of risk assessments and comply with Ofcom codes.
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024
The CMA can fine businesses directly up to 10% of global turnover for unfair commercial practices, including fake reviews, drip pricing and pressure selling, which covers AI-generated content and AI-driven sales.
Data Protection Act 2018
Supplements UK GDPR: lawful processing, special category conditions, law enforcement processing and the ICO's enforcement powers.
Equality Act 2010
Bans discrimination by protected characteristic, including by algorithm; public bodies must have due regard to equality (s.149); the burden of proof shifts to you once discrimination is indicated (s.136).
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022
Connected consumer products must meet security requirements: no default passwords, a vulnerability disclosure policy and a stated minimum security update period.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Digital content, including AI-powered products and services, must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
Civil Evidence Act 1995
Business records can be admitted in court on a certificate signed by an officer of the business (s.9).
Bills before Parliament
Live from the UK Parliament Bills API, matching artificial intelligence, algorithms, automated decisions, deepfakes, online safety and data protection.
1fd503b76bd7eeca…, sealed in block 25120 on 26 Oct 2026 22:34 UTC.