What is the outlook for AI in the UK?

The UK government’s stance to deal with AI based on sector-specific regulation instead of legislating or creating a central AI regulator is distinct from the EU and its AI Act. However, in a global economy the UK cannot stand alone. An interesting debate therefore arises whether we will see a GDPR-style Brussels effect in future.

While everyone now uses AI in some form or another daily, the question remains where to set the boundaries and where to have humans in control. This is a question in my mind when writing this editorial in the middle of the Pacific on a 46-foot long sailing boat. An article by the Alan Turing Institute suggests that fully AI-powered maritime cargo traffic is just around the corner. This would mean cargo ships being controlled by AI in the same way as driverless cars.

From my current perspective on a small boat, it is reassuring to know that we can at any time tune in on VHF channel 16 and speak to a human should we have any uncertainty about their vessel’s intended position and direction. While the institute’s research paper talks about efficiencies with Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), such as improved safety and increased efficiency, I remain to be convinced.

Sometimes it is good to go back to the basics. In this issue, our correspondents discuss the challenges in data protection training and how games can help, and the benefits of data mapping. We highlight an important gap in access to justice for individual victims of AI generated non-consensual explicit images which potentially affect millions.

Read about automated decision-making under DUAA, and an analysis of what the Children’s Digital wellbeing consultation means for organisations, including those whose information services are likely to interest under 16s.

Laura Linkomies
Editor, Privacy Laws & Business

May 2026