Tech Policy

The UK is expanding its Online Safety Act to cover AI chatbots, holding platforms like ChatGPT accountable for illegal content. This move, spurred by issues with Elon Musk’s Grok, aims to close regulatory gaps and protect children. The government also plans to introduce age limits for social media, restrict addictive features, and mandate data retention following a child’s death. This aligns with global trends, as other countries like Australia and Spain are also implementing stricter online child protection measures.

AI firm Anthropic has invested $20 million in Public First Action, a political group supporting candidates advocating for balanced AI regulation. This move signals Anthropic’s commitment to shaping AI policy, emphasizing safety, job growth, and transparency. The group aims to back 30-50 candidates, contrasting with pro-AI PACs funded by tech investors. Anthropic’s stance aligns with public opinion favoring AI regulation, despite criticism of its “fear-mongering” approach to policy influence.