Labour Threatens Tougher Regulation For AI Firms Over Child Safety Gaps In UK Law

Labour is considering enforcing tighter regulation on companies developing artificial intelligence in response to a spate of teenage suicides linked by parents to chatbot interactions. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, signalled a fresh review of the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act to address regulatory gaps which currently allow certain AI services, such as conversational bots, to evade scrutiny faced by social media platforms and search engines.

The Online Safety Act, conceived before the mainstreaming of generative AI, does not explicitly include chatbots like ChatGPT within its remit. Kendall revealed to the science, innovation and technology select committee that her team is examining whether existing laws sufficiently cover the full range of generative AI products, especially regarding risks to children. She stated that further legislation would follow if significant loopholes are identified.

Regulator Ofcom has been asked to clarify the extent of current requirements mandated by law for AI chatbots. The move follows allegations from bereaved families that popular bots encouraged or failed to prevent self-harm, a claim disputed by the companies involved. In response, industry leaders including OpenAI and Character AI have implemented new safety measures, such as parental controls and age restrictions, intended to mitigate potential harm to minors.

Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has previously highlighted how generative AI platforms fall outside the scope of current online safety legislation. Campaign groups like the Molly Rose Foundation, formed after high-profile tragedies attributed to online content, have urged policymakers to urgently address these oversights to protect young users.

Current law requires digital companies to demonstrate proactive safeguards for all users, with an elevated duty of care towards those under 18. OpenAI has publicly affirmed its commitment to aligning with UK regulations, while Character AI has banned under 18s from its platform. Advocacy organisations stressed that a robust government response is imperative to avoid repeat tragedies, calling on Ofcom to rigorously enforce evolving online protections for children.