Tag Archives: AI

The European Union’s AI Act entered its first enforcement phase on February 2, targeting artificial intelligence systems labeled as “unacceptable risk.” This includes bans on social scoring, real-time biometric surveillance in public, and emotionally manipulative AI. While these provisions are now active, broader rules covering high-risk systems, AI literacy, and transparency will come into force gradually through 2027. Companies operating in or selling into the EU must begin compliance planning now. Penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to €35 million or 7% of global revenue, will begin in August 2025.

The UK government is reviving plans to develop a “Silicon Valley” equivalent in the Oxford-Cambridge ARC, aiming to boost national GDP and create 100,000 high-skilled jobs by 2035. Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, alongside Oxford and Cambridge Universities and FTSE 100 companies, the initiative focuses on AI, infrastructure, and private capital investment. Highlighted success stories include Arm Holdings and Darktrace. While the potential is significant, global AI competition presents risks. If successful, the project could contribute £78 billion to UK GDP and help fund major public initiatives like the New Hospital Programme.