Today’s 2-Minute UK AI Brief
21 November 2025
TL;DR — UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has warned that Ofcom risks losing public trust if it does not effectively address online harms related to AI and other digital platforms.
Why it matters
- Ofcom's enforcement of the Online Safety Act is crucial for protecting UK citizens from online risks, particularly with the rise of AI technologies.
- The effectiveness of UK regulators in managing online safety impacts public confidence in digital services.
- The ongoing discussions highlight the urgency for regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements.
Explainer
The UK is currently grappling with the challenges posed by rapid advancements in technology, particularly concerning artificial intelligence (AI) and online safety. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, has expressed concerns that Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, may be falling behind in its responsibilities to protect the public from online harms. The Online Safety Act, designed to safeguard users from various digital threats, requires effective enforcement to maintain public trust. As AI technologies, including chatbots, become more prevalent, the need for robust regulatory measures is increasingly urgent. If Ofcom does not act decisively, there is a risk that the public may lose confidence in its ability to manage these issues effectively. This situation underscores the importance of ensuring that regulatory bodies are equipped and empowered to address the complexities of modern digital landscapes, which are evolving faster than the regulations meant to govern them.
Sources: go.theregister.com ukri.org gov.uk theguardian.com