The UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched a formal inquiry into how artificial intelligence (AI) may impact human rights and whether current laws and regulations are equipped to respond to the technology’s rapid advancement.
The inquiry, titled “Human Rights and the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence,” will explore how AI affects individual rights, particularly in areas like privacy, bias, and access to justice. It will also assess the adequacy of existing legal frameworks and propose recommendations for safeguarding rights in the digital age.
“AI is set to transform the world we live in. We need to make sure the human rights landscape is prepared for it,” said Committee Chair Lord David Alton. “The development of AI won’t wait for regulation to meet its potential size and scope.”
The committee raised concerns about AI models perpetuating discrimination, the use of AI in surveillance potentially infringing on free expression, and the difficulty individuals may face in seeking recourse when impacted by opaque AI decision-making systems.
The inquiry will consider whether the UK’s current laws, including those informed by the government’s “AI Opportunities Action Plan,” are robust enough to ensure protections. It also seeks input on future legislative needs, questions of accountability, and the differing risks posed by various types of AI, including emerging agentic systems.
The committee is accepting written submissions from the public, experts, and stakeholders through September 5, 2025. It is particularly interested in recommendations on redress mechanisms, international cooperation, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions such as the European Union.
The launch of this inquiry comes as international attention grows around balancing AI innovation with democratic values and individual rights, positioning the UK to play a pivotal role in shaping human rights-centered AI governance.
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