AI Operating Map
Where AI regulation stands in United Kingdom
No single UK AI law. A regulator code of practice on AI and automated decisions is still being finalised, but the EU AI Act already binds UK businesses serving EU users.
Updates for United Kingdom
Principles-based approach, no single AI statute
The UK has no AI-specific statute and no AI bill currently before Parliament. AI is regulated through existing regimes (UK GDPR, the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025) and sector regulators such as the FCA, MHRA and Ofcom, guided by five cross-cutting principles rather than one binding law.
ICO Code of Practice on AI and automated decision-making
From 12 May 2026 the Information Commissioner has a statutory duty to produce a single Code of Practice on AI and automated decision-making. Final guidance is expected in summer 2026, with the Code itself likely following in 2027, not yet in force.
EU AI Act applies to UK businesses serving EU users
The UK has no domestic equivalent, but the EU AI Act's Article 50 transparency obligations, in force from 2 August 2026, apply directly to UK businesses whose AI systems interact with people in the EU. See the EU AI Act entry for what that requires.
Checked 1 September 2026. This is news, not legal advice, and not something we control, every country makes its own call in its own time. As they do, we adapt the Map so you can stay compliant and report on it. See the full regulatory list for other countries.
Wherever this lands, the question is the same
Do you know which AI-driven decisions in your organisation would be affected, and can you show your work. AI Operating Map's Decision Register already tracks who decided, what data it touches, and whether a person's in the loop, the foundation for answering any version of that question, in any country, whenever it's actually asked.