AI Dreams: The Regulator's Dilemma

Access Partnership

The debate around AI regulation has focused extensively on what should happen, but in a world of conflicting interests, complex technical questions, and competing philosophies, what can be achieved?
This question formed the core of Access Partnership CTO William Webb’s presentation at the AI Summit in London on 15 June. Under the title ‘AI Dreams: The Regulator’s Dilemma’, William began by outlining the limitations of existing frameworks and why recent calls to pause the development of AI systems are unenforceable.
Turning his focus to the proposed legislative frameworks in the EU and the UK, William explained the flaws in both approaches, as well as the wider challenges in trying to square slow, methodical regulatory processes with a technology that is evolving faster than policymakers can keep up with. He then described the dangers of moving too far in the other direction, creating a race to the bottom where countries compete to attract AI investment by promising light-touch regulation.
After detailing specific instances of how problematic uses of AI can trigger rapid responses, William made the case for a global regulatory body capable of forming consensus based on societal, rather than technological, needs. Stressing the importance of involving stakeholders from across the political landscape, he described how rewards like Kitemark certification can incentivise Big Tech to comply.

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