Committee calls for new legislation to address AI-related human rights risks
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has highlighted significant gaps in current laws regarding artificial intelligence and its impact on human rights.
By BBC News
The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), a cross-party group of MPs and peers, has published a report urging the introduction of new legislation to address human rights risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The committee argues that existing laws are inadequate to cover the various threats posed by AI technologies.
In its report, the JCHR states that the current legal framework for AI is "fragmented and difficult to navigate," which results in "gaps in protection" for individuals. The committee advocates for the establishment of a "single, independent AI oversight body on a statutory basis" to ensure comprehensive regulation.
The report also calls for the proposed AI bill to classify different risk levels associated with AI systems, imposing stricter obligations on those deemed higher risk. Furthermore, it suggests that certain uses of AI should be outright prohibited if they are incompatible with human rights, including the inappropriate use of profiling and biometric data.
Alex Sobel, the Labour MP and chair of the committee, stated that no current legislative approach to AI is fit for purpose, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the scale and seriousness of the threats posed by AI technologies. The inquiry into human rights and AI regulation was launched on 25 July 2025, with a written evidence deadline set for 5 September 2025.
The report highlights concerns that AI can perpetuate biases against specific groups, particularly when trained on datasets that may contain harmful material. It also raises alarms about the potential for AI to generate and disseminate misinformation.
The JCHR's findings come amid increasing anxiety regarding the implications of AI advancements, with some industry insiders expressing fears for the future of humanity as AI technologies evolve rapidly. The committee's recommendations aim to create a more robust framework for safeguarding human rights in the face of these developments.