Labour's Approach to Free Speech and AI Raises Concerns
Big Brother Watch highlighted three new policies under the Labour government that could have huge implications for free speech in Britain. As these policies begin to take shape, critics warn that they could roll back civil liberties by decades.
Three Policies to Watch
Expansion of the Online Safety Act Labour leaders are advocating for an extension of the controversial Online Safety Act, which has already raised concerns among free speech advocates. Originally intended to improve transparency, the Act has been criticized for its vague definitions, particularly around the concept of "legal but harmful" speech. Discussions with the Centre for Countering Digital Hate have further fueled concerns, as there are suggestions to introduce new 'emergency' censorship powers that could curtail free speech online.
Increase in Non-Crime Hate Incidents The Labour government is also considering reinstating and expanding the recording of ‘non-crime hate incidents’ (NCHIs) by the police. These incidents, though not criminal, are recorded and can appear on individuals’ criminal records. The previous government had taken steps to limit the practice, but Labour's proposed U-turn could see more incidents, such as innocuous actions like displaying Israeli flag stickers or children drawing with chalk, classified as non-criminal hate incidents.
Reboot of the Counter Disinformation Unit Labour has revived the Counter Disinformation Unit, renaming it the "National Security Online Information Team," and tasked it with monitoring online discussions on controversial topics such as Israel and Gaza. The former unit was criticized for targeting government critics, and there are concerns that the new iteration may be used to suppress dissent, especially regarding controversial government policies such as cutting winter heating support for pensioners.
These developments have alarmed free speech advocates, who argue that excessive censorship always serves the powerful at the expense of the public.
Labour's Approach to AI Regulation
In addition to concerns over free speech, Labour's stance on artificial intelligence (AI) has come under scrutiny. Despite growing evidence of AI's potential harms, the government appears hesitant to introduce comprehensive regulations.
Victims of AI Harms Speak Out
Parliament recently heard testimonies from victims of AI misidentification, such as Shaun Thompson, a Londoner who was wrongfully stopped by the Metropolitan Police due to a live facial recognition error. Thompson’s case exemplifies the risks posed by unchecked AI use in law enforcement.
Experts from the EU AI Act, which prohibits live facial recognition and other high-risk AI practices, spoke at the same event, questioning why the UK is lagging behind in AI regulation. Despite these growing concerns, AI legislation was notably absent from the King’s Speech, reportedly dropped under pressure from pro-AI lobbying groups like the Tony Blair Institute.
With AI already influencing decisions in policing, welfare, and education – sometimes to the detriment of those affected – there are increasing calls for action from the government, led by Science Minister Peter Kyle.
Lord Clement-Jones’ AI Transparency Bill
While the government drags its feet on AI regulation, Lord Clement-Jones of the Liberal Democrats is taking proactive steps. He recently introduced a private member’s bill calling for greater transparency around AI decisions made by the state. His bill aims to ensure that the public can understand how AI systems are impacting their lives, especially in light of scandals such as the Horizon IT debacle, where flawed AI led to wrongful convictions.
While Lord Clement-Jones’ initiative has been widely praised, it remains to be seen whether the government will support the bill. Given Labour's reluctance to take on comprehensive AI regulation, the future of this legislation is uncertain.
Read More
Latest
