In its response to a government white paper published in March, the Law Society calls on the UK to align with the EU, which is working towards a binding AI Act.

The Society said the UK could achieve alignment “while maintaining the UK’s attractiveness for investment and innovation”, while divergence “adds complexity for law firms when determining which ethical guidelines apply and in which jurisdictions”, according to the Law Gazette.

Elsewhere in the consultation response, the Society said there is an “urgent need” for regulations around liability, calling for a review of crimes and civil offences involving mens rea to establish how it would apply to situations where AI has played a role in decision-making.

It also proposes mandatory “AI transparency across government and public services, ensuring that every citizen is aware of when and how decisions affecting them are made or informed by AI systems”.

Proposals for EU regulation of AI have been adopted by the European Parliament. MEPs will now negotiate the details with EU countries prior to the draft rules becoming law in the form of an AI Act.