UK launches inquiry into how AI could impact human rights
Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched a new inquiry to examine how human rights can be protected in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI technologies may offer significant benefits to individuals and society, but there are fears that they also pose serious risks. Concerns have been raised around the data underpinning AI models perpetuating societal biases and discrimination.
Increased use of AI in surveillance could conflict with an individual’s right to privacy or freedom of expression. Those who have their rights breached could also face increased difficulty in seeking justice where decisions have been made using opaque AI systems.
In this new inquiry, the Joint Committee will examine the threats and opportunities AI offers for human rights in the UK. It will also consider whether existing legal and regulatory frameworks are sufficient to protect human rights and keep pace with AI development.
Some of the specific issues which will be considered include:
- How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) affect individual human rights for good or ill, in particular in the areas of:
- Privacy and data usage;
- Discrimination and bias;
- Effective remedies for violations of human rights?
2. To what extent does the UK’s existing legal framework provide sufficient protection for human rights in relation to AI?
3. What would be needed in any future UK legislation to protect human rights?
4. Who should be held accountable for breaches of human rights resulting from the use of AI, and on what basis?
5. How might regulation match the pace of AI technology development, such as the emergence of agentic AI, to ensure that human rights are preserved as technology continues to develop?
“AI is set to transform the world we live in. We need to make sure the human rights landscape is prepared for it. The development of AI won’t wait for regulation to meet its potential size and scope,” said Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Lord David Alton.
“That is why we have launched this inquiry – to understand the risks and rewards that AI poses for human rights and work out if greater protections are needed.”
