UK

UK’s MP created AI bot aiming to enhance communication with constituents

AI has become increasingly integrated into people’s lives in recent years, particularly through the use of chatbots and in ways previously unimaginable. One such example is the initiative taken by UK Member of Parliament Mark Sewards, who has created an AI bot of himself to interact with constituents.

Specifically, Labour’s Mark Sewards has partnered with an AI start-up to launch a virtual avatar that uses his voice, allowing constituents to raise local concerns and ask policy-related questions. While this may appear to offer a quicker and more convenient means of communication, opinions are divided.

On one hand, there are concerns around privacy, data security, a lack of human interaction, and the chatbot’s ability to resolve more complex issues. Dr Oman from the University of Sheffield warns that older users may not realise they are speaking to a bot, which could lead to confusion and distress.

Professor Victoria Honeyman from the University of Leeds notes that, while the bot can handle straightforward queries and free up time, it may cause upset when users are dealing with emotional or complicated matters, potentially undermining public trust in MPs and public services.

At the same time, Mark Sewards emphasised that the chatbot will not replace traditional methods such as advice surgeries. However, Sewards stated that he sees the project as a way to embrace emerging technology and improve accessibility.

Professor Honeyman added that, although it is not a complete substitute for face-to-face engagement, the chatbot signals a broader shift in how MPs connect with the public and could prove effective with further development and adaptation.

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UK GP surgery praised for using AI to boost efficiency and patient care

UK Health Minister Karin Smyth praised St George’s Surgery in Weston-super-Mare for utilising AI to enhance efficiency. Serving nearly 14,000 patients, the surgery uses AI to automate note-taking and letter drafting, reducing administrative burdens on staff.

It has been reported that, in June of 2025, St George’s Surgery handled over 9,000 appointments, with more than half booked and held on the same day. As part of the UK’s 10-Year Health Plan, the government stated it aims to expand AI adoption in healthcare, potentially freeing up the capacity of over 2,000 full-time GPs.

Andy Carpenter, Digital Director at Mendip Vale Medical Group, highlighted that AI is helping to manage growing patient demand, increase face-to-face time with GPs, and maintain strong data protection standards. Health Minister Karin Smyth also stressed the need for safe, well-regulated AI in healthcare, noting its practical uses, such as remote monitoring of vaccine fridge temperatures.

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Weak cyber hygiene in smart devices risks national infrastructure

The UK’s designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure highlights their growing strategic importance, yet a pressing concern remains over vulnerabilities in their OT and IoT systems. While IT security often receives significant investment, the same cannot be said for other technologies.

Attackers increasingly target these overlooked systems, gaining access through insecure devices such as IP cameras and biometric scanners. Many of these operate on outdated firmware and lack even basic protections, making them ideal footholds for malicious actors.

There have already been known breaches, with OT systems used in botnet activity and crypto mining, often without detection. These attacks not only compromise security in the UK but can destabilise infrastructure by overloading resources or bypassing safeguards.

Addressing these threats requires full visibility across all connected systems, with real-time monitoring, wireless traffic analysis, and network segmentation. Experts urge data centre operators to act now, not in response to a breach, but to prevent one entirely.

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UK Online Safety Act under fire amid free speech and privacy concerns

The UK’s Online Safety Act, aimed at protecting children and eliminating illegal content online, is stirring a strong debate due to its stringent requirements on social media platforms and websites hosting adult content.

Critics argue that the act’s broad application could unintentionally suppress free speech, as highlighted by social media platform X.

X claims the act results in the censorship of lawful content, reflecting concerns shared by politicians, free-speech campaigners, and content creators.

Moreover, public unease is evident, with over 468,000 individuals signing a petition for the act’s repeal, citing privacy concerns over mandatory age checks requiring personal data on adult content sites.

Despite mounting criticism, the UK government is resolute in its commitment to the legislation. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle equates opposition to siding with online predators, emphasising child protection.

The government asserts that the act also mandates platforms to uphold freedom of expression alongside child safety obligations.

While X criticises both the broad scope and the tight compliance timelines of the act, warning of pressures towards over-censorship, it calls for significant statutory revisions to protect personal freedoms while safeguarding children.

The government rebuffs claims that the Online Safety Act compromises free speech, with assurances that the law equally protects freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has initiated investigations into the compliance of several companies managing pornography sites, highlighting the rigorous enforcement.

Source: Reuters

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VPN use surges in UK as age checks go live

The way UK internet users access adult content has undergone a significant change, with new age-verification rules now in force. Under Ofcom’s directive, anyone attempting to visit adult websites must now prove they are over 18, typically by providing credit card or personal ID details.

The move aims to prevent children from encountering harmful content online, but it has raised serious privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

Experts have warned that entering personal and financial information could expose users to cyber threats. Jake Moore from cybersecurity firm ESET pointed out that the lack of clear implementation standards leaves users vulnerable to data misuse and fraud.

There’s growing unease that ID verification systems might inadvertently offer a goldmine to scammers.
In response, many have started using VPNs to bypass the restrictions, with providers reporting a surge in UK downloads.

VPNs mask user locations, allowing access to blocked content, but free versions often lack the security features of paid services. As demand rises, cybersecurity specialists are urging users to be cautious.

Free VPNs can compromise user data through weak encryption or selling browsing histories to advertisers. Mozilla and EC-Council have stressed the importance of avoiding no-cost VPNs unless users know the risks.

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UK universities urged to act fast on AI teaching

UK universities risk losing their competitive edge unless they adopt a clear, forward-looking approach to ΑΙ in teaching. Falling enrolments, limited funding, and outdated digital systems have exposed a lack of AI literacy across many institutions.

As AI skills become essential for today’s workforce, employers increasingly expect graduates to be confident users rather than passive observers.

Many universities continue relying on legacy technology rather than exploring the full potential of modern learning platforms. AI tools can enhance teaching by adapting to individual student needs and helping educators identify learning gaps.

However, few staff have received adequate training, and many universities lack the resources or structure to embed AI into day-to-day teaching effectively.

To close the growing gap between education and the workplace, universities must explore flexible short courses and microcredentials that develop workplace-ready skills.

Introducing ethical standards and data transparency from the start will ensure AI is used responsibly without weakening academic integrity.

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Concerns grow over children’s use of AI chatbots

The growing use of AI chatbots and companions among children has raised safety concerns, with experts warning of inadequate protections and potential emotional risks.

Often not designed for young users, these apps lack sufficient age verification and moderation features, making them vulnerable spaces for children. The eSafety Commissioner noted that many children are spending hours daily with AI companions, sometimes discussing topics like mental health and sex.

Studies in Australia and the UK show high engagement, with many young users viewing the chatbots as real friends and sources of emotional advice.

Experts, including Professor Tama Leaver, warn that these systems are manipulative by design, built to keep users engaged without guaranteeing appropriate or truthful responses.

Despite the concerns, initiatives like Day of AI Australia promote digital literacy to help young people understand and navigate such technologies critically.

Organisations like UNICEF say AI could offer significant educational benefits if applied safely. However, they stress that Australia must take childhood digital safety more seriously as AI rapidly reshapes how young people interact, learn and socialise.

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VPN dangers highlighted as UK’s Online Safety Act comes into force

Britons are being urged to proceed with caution before turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) in response to the new age verification requirements set by the Online Safety Act.

The law, now in effect, aims to protect young users by restricting access to adult and sensitive content unless users verify their age.

Instead of offering anonymous access, some platforms now demand personal details such as full names, email addresses, and even bank information to confirm a user’s age.

Although the legislation targets adult websites, many people have reported being blocked from accessing less controversial content, including alcohol-related forums and parts of Wikipedia.

As a result, more users are considering VPNs to bypass these checks. However, cybersecurity experts warn that many VPNs can pose serious risks by exposing users to scams, data theft, and malware. Without proper research, users might install software that compromises their privacy rather than protecting it.

With Ofcom reporting that eight per cent of children aged 8 to 14 in the UK have accessed adult content online, the new rules are viewed as a necessary safeguard. Still, concerns remain about the balance between online safety and digital privacy for adult users.

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Alignment Project to tackle safety risks of advanced AI systems

The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a new international research initiative aimed at ensuring future AI systems behave in ways aligned with human values and interests.

Called the Alignment Project, the initiative brings together global collaborators including the Canadian AI Safety Institute, Schmidt Sciences, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Anthropic, Halcyon Futures, the Safe AI Fund, UK Research and Innovation, and the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

DSIT confirmed that the project will invest £15 million into AI alignment research – a field concerned with developing systems that remain responsive to human oversight and follow intended goals as they become more advanced.

Officials said this reflects growing concerns that today’s control methods may fall short when applied to the next generation of AI systems, which are expected to be significantly more powerful and autonomous.

This positioning reinforces the urgency and motivation behind the funding initiative, before going into the mechanics of how the project will work.

The Alignment Project will provide funding through three streams, each tailored to support different aspects of the research landscape. Grants of up to £1 million will be made available for researchers across a range of disciplines, from computer science to cognitive psychology.

A second stream will provide access to cloud computing resources from AWS and Anthropic, enabling large-scale technical experiments in AI alignment and safety.

The third stream focuses on accelerating commercial solutions through venture capital investment, supporting start-ups that aim to build practical tools for keeping AI behaviour aligned with human values.

An expert advisory board will guide the distribution of funds and ensure that investments are strategically focused. DSIT also invited further collaboration, encouraging governments, philanthropists, and industry players to contribute additional research grants, computing power, or funding for promising start-ups.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said it was vital that alignment research keeps pace with the rapid development of advanced systems.

‘Advanced AI systems are already exceeding human performance in some areas, so it’s crucial we’re driving forward research to ensure this transformative technology is behaving in our interests,’ Kyle said.

‘AI alignment is all geared towards making systems behave as we want them to, so they are always acting in our best interests.’

The announcement follows recent warnings from scientists and policy leaders about the risks posed by misaligned AI systems. Experts argue that without proper safeguards, powerful AI could behave unpredictably or act in ways beyond human control.

Geoffrey Irving, chief scientist at the AI Safety Institute, welcomed the UK’s initiative and highlighted the need for urgent progress.

‘AI alignment is one of the most urgent and under-resourced challenges of our time. Progress is essential, but it’s not happening fast enough relative to the rapid pace of AI development,’ he said.

‘Misaligned, highly capable systems could act in ways beyond our ability to control, with profound global implications.’

He praised the Alignment Project for its focus on international coordination and cross-sector involvement, which he said were essential for meaningful progress.

‘The Alignment Project tackles this head-on by bringing together governments, industry, philanthropists, VC, and researchers to close the critical gaps in alignment research,’ Irving added.

‘International coordination isn’t just valuable – it’s necessary. By providing funding, computing resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration to bring more ideas to bear on the problem, we hope to increase the chance that transformative AI systems serve humanity reliably, safely, and in ways we can trust.’

The project positions the UK as a key player in global efforts to ensure that AI systems remain accountable, transparent, and aligned with human intent as their capabilities expand.

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Free VPN use surges in UK after online safety law

The UK’s new Online Safety Act has increased VPN use, as websites introduce stricter age restrictions to comply with the law. Popular platforms such as Reddit and Pornhub are either blocking minors or adding age verification, pushing many young users to turn to free VPNs to bypass the rules.

In the days following the Act’s enforcement on 25 July, five of the ten most-downloaded free apps in the UK were VPNs.

However, cybersecurity experts warn that unvetted free VPNs can pose serious risks, with some selling user data or containing malware.

Using a VPN means routing all your internet traffic through an external server, effectively handing over access to your browsing data.

While reputable providers like Proton VPN offer safe free tiers supported by paid plans, lesser-known services often lack transparency and may exploit users for profit.

Consumers are urged to check for clear privacy policies, audited security practices and credible business information before using a VPN. Trusted options for safer browsing include Proton VPN, TunnelBear, Windscribe, and hide.me.

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