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16 September 2026
Issue: 8177 / Categories: Legal News , Artificial intelligence , Technology , Regulatory , Human rights
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Urgent action needed on artificial intelligence risks

MPs have called for legislation to protect against the human rights risks of artificial intelligence (AI)

In a report published this week, the Joint Committee on Human Rights recommended the government create a single AI regulator ‘with the teeth to ensure enforcement’ and a regulatory regime covering the whole AI lifecycle.

Legislation should be enacted, imposing a due diligence obligation at all stages of design, development and deployment to prevent risk to human rights. Moreover, some uses of AI should be banned outright because they are incompatible with human rights, including subliminal techniques and inappropriate use of profiling or biometric data, the committee said.

Committee chair Alex Sobel MP said: ‘We need these protections now.’

Law Society vice president Brett Dixon said: ‘Everyone including the legal profession requires clear guidance on AI. We need to know how the existing regulatory framework applies to data security, oversight, reserved legal activities and professional obligations.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
An indemnity costs battle with a £20m gap could reopen an important question: what weight should an approved budget carry?
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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