UK's Ofcom and US White House set new AI safety and review rules

The UK communications regulator Ofcom released a report outlining a technology‑neutral framework for safe and secure AI adoption across the sectors it oversees. The paper details eight case studies, including a pilot data lake for spectrum licensing data, deep‑fake mitigation guidance, assessments of AI chat‑bot trust, and examinations of AI impacts on telecom customer experience, broadcasting content creation, network resilience and cybersecurity. Ofcom also highlighted its coordination with the National Cyber Security Centre and a formal investigation into X’s Grok chatbot, and noted ongoing work with the UK government on emerging AI legislation.

In the United States, the White House signed an executive order requiring major technology companies to submit new AI models for a voluntary 30‑day government review before public release. The order, aimed at national‑security and cyber‑risk concerns, calls for input from the White House, Treasury, Pentagon and other security agencies. It reflects a shift from a previously hands‑off approach, with the 30‑day period representing a compromise after industry pushback against an initially proposed 90‑day review. Leading firms such as Microsoft, OpenAI and Google have responded cautiously positive.

Together, these actions signal a growing emphasis on AI oversight in both the UK and US, focusing on consumer protection, cybersecurity and strategic security considerations.