Lack of resources greatest hurdle for regulating AI, MPs told | Computer Weekly

"Closer cooperation between regulators and increased funding are needed for the UK to deal effectively with the human rights harms associated with the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. On 4 February 2026, the Joint Committee on Human Rights met to discuss whether the UK's regulators have the resources, expertise and powers to ensure that human rights are protected from new and emerging harms caused by AI. While there are at least 13 regulators in the UK with remits relating to AI, there is no single regulator dedicated to regulating AI."

"Mary-Ann Stephenson, chair of the EHRC, stressed that resources were the greatest hurdle in regulating the technology. "There is a great deal more that we would like to do in this area if we had more resources," she said. Highlighting how the EHRC's budget has remained frozen at £17.1m since 2012, which was then the minimum amount required for the commission to perform its statutory functions, Stephenson told MPs and Lords that this is equivalent to a 35% cut."

UK regulators face resource and coordination shortfalls in addressing human rights harms from AI. At least 13 UK regulators have remits related to AI, and no single regulator is dedicated solely to AI oversight. The government expects existing regulatory frameworks to manage AI, but witnesses warned that a disconnected approach risks falling behind fast-moving AI without stronger coordination and resourcing. The Equality and Human Rights Commission reports frozen budgets and reduced capacity, constraining proactive enforcement. Regulators say the legal framework via the Equality Act can address discrimination and rights harms, but enforcement remains largely reactive. Recommendations focus on increased funding and closer cooperation among regulators.

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