UK Archives | Page 3 of 48 | Digital Watch Observatory

UK Research and Innovation review calls for reform at The Alan Turing Institute

An independent review by UK Research and Innovation has assessed the performance of The Alan Turing Institute. The evaluation examined whether the institute meets expectations as a national centre for AI and data science.

Findings recognise scientific excellence, strong partnerships and valuable contributions within the UK research system. However, the review identifies the need for a clearer strategic purpose and stronger delivery.

The panel concludes that alignment with national priorities and value for money is not yet satisfactory. Recommendations include improved governance, clearer prioritisation and renewed external scientific scrutiny.

Additional proposals call for stronger stakeholder engagement and a defined mission focused on resilience, security and defence. A framework for value for money is also expected to be agreed with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

UK Research and Innovation will work with the institute’s leadership and partners to implement the changes. A development plan is expected by September 2026, with further assessment to follow.

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DMCC Act 2024 brings UK ADR reporting rules into force

UK regulations under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024, referred to here as the DMCC Act 2024, are now in force, requiring accredited alternative dispute resolution providers to report information to the ADR authority and to make it available to consumers on their websites.

Under the DMCC Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Information) Regulations, an accredited ADR provider must submit an annual report to the ADR authority in writing on a durable medium.

An accredited ADR provider is a person or entity that either conducts alternative dispute resolution for a consumer contract dispute or arranges for it to occur. The same information must also be published for consumers on the provider’s website within one month of each anniversary of accreditation.

Accredited ADR providers must also notify the ADR authority of any changes to the information listed in Part 2 of the Schedule. Former accredited ADR providers are required to submit a Part 1 report within one month after their accreditation ends.

Exempt ADR providers must provide the information in Parts 1 and 2 of the Schedule to the ADR authority to the extent that the same information is also supplied to a regulator, and must do so within one month of providing it to that regulator.

Why does it matter?

The DMCC Act 2024 regulations add transparency to the UK ADR system. Accredited providers must now report information to the ADR authority and publish it for consumers, creating clearer oversight and making it easier to see how accredited schemes operate.

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UK’s Ofcom report reveals evolving online habits and growing AI reliance

New Ofcom research suggests that UK adults are becoming more cautious and passive in their use of social media, even as interest in AI tools grows, pointing to a wider shift in how people experience digital life.

While social media remains widely used, the report indicates that users are participating less actively and becoming more selective about what they share and how visible they are online.

That shift is tied in part to growing unease about digital well-being. Concerns about screen time and the wider effects of online platforms are rising, with fewer adults convinced that the benefits of being online outweigh the risks. Many say they are actively trying to limit their usage, reflecting broader anxieties about the impact of digital media on mental health and everyday life.

At the same time, AI adoption is accelerating, especially among younger users. Ofcom’s findings suggest that people are using AI not only for productivity and creative tasks, but also, in some cases, for conversational and emotional support, pointing to a changing relationship between users and digital tools.

Other findings reinforce the sense of a more fragmented digital environment. Trust in news remains uneven, mainstream sources still hold a central place but face growing scepticism, and confidence in digital skills does not always translate into an ability to identify misinformation, scams, or other online risks.

Taken together, the findings suggest that the UK’s digital habits are not simply expanding but changing in character. Users appear to be growing more wary of social platforms, more alert to digital harms, and more open to new forms of interaction through AI.

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UK regulator orders revised safety assessments under Online Safety Act

Ofcom has ordered more than 40 online services to submit revised risk assessments under the UK’s Online Safety Act, increasing pressure on platforms to show how they identify and reduce illegal content and other user harms.

The move marks a tougher phase in the UK’s online safety regime, with the regulator signalling that incomplete or delayed submissions could trigger enforcement action.

Ofcom said earlier reviews had identified weaknesses in several assessments, prompting companies to strengthen their approach and improve safeguards.

The requirement is especially significant for services likely to be accessed by children, which must also examine the risk of exposure to harmful content and demonstrate what protective measures they have in place. In that sense, the regulator is pushing platforms to treat safety not as a reactive moderation issue, but as a design and compliance obligation.

Ofcom has also indicated that major platforms will eventually have to publish summaries of their risk assessments, adding a transparency layer to the regime.

The latest demands suggest that the UK is moving beyond setting out online safety expectations and into a more interventionist stage focused on supervision, accountability, and enforcement.

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UK expands efforts to boost digital inclusion

More than one million people have been helped to get online through a national digital inclusion plan led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The initiative targets groups including older people, jobseekers and rural communities.

The programme has delivered over 22,000 donated devices and funded more than 80 local projects with £11.9 million. Support includes improved connectivity, access to affordable services and training to build essential digital skills.

Efforts also focus on strengthening long-term capabilities, with the government taking control of the national digital skills framework. Updates will reflect changing needs, such as online safety and the growing role of AI in everyday life.

British officials say the plan is helping people find work, manage finances and access services more easily. Further expansion is expected as authorities work with industry and charities to reach more communities.

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Google expands AI skills initiative to boost career mobility in the UK

Google has launched a nationwide initiative in the UK to improve access to AI skills and support career progression.

The programme, titled ‘AI Works for Britain’, seeks to address structural barriers that limit professional mobility despite widespread access to digital tools.

New research indicates that a significant proportion of the population feels unable to advance, citing gaps in skills, confidence and professional networks.

While a majority already use AI tools, only a minority report meaningful productivity gains, suggesting that effective utilisation remains uneven across the workforce.

An initiative by Google that focuses on practical upskilling through public training hubs, university partnerships and community outreach programmes.

These efforts aim to move users beyond basic interaction with AI tools toward more advanced applications that can enhance employability, efficiency and business development.

The programme in the UK aligns with broader efforts to position AI as a driver of economic inclusion rather than a source of inequality, with policymakers and industry stakeholders emphasising the importance of workforce readiness in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

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Funding boost for UK cities innovation sector

The UK government has pledged up to £20 million to boost the creative technology sector in the Tay Cities Region. The investment aims to support innovation in areas such as video games and virtual reality while driving economic growth.

Funding will help develop local talent and accelerate projects from early research to commercial products. The initiative focuses on strengthening collaboration between businesses, researchers and public bodies to expand opportunities across the region.

Centred around Dundee and the surrounding areas, the programme will build on an established reputation in digital industries. Universities and industry partners are expected to play a key role in delivering research, training and access to investment networks.

UK officials say the move will create jobs and open new markets, while supporting emerging applications in sectors including healthcare and education. The funding forms part of a wider national strategy to strengthen innovation and regional economies.

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Technology reshapes pensions engagement

New technology is reshaping how people engage with pensions, according to Financial Conduct Authority chief executive Nikhil Rathi. Speaking in London, he highlighted the growing role of AI and digital tools in helping savers better understand their retirement finances.

Pensions dashboards are expected to give millions a clearer view of their savings, potentially driving greater engagement and behavioural change. Increased visibility may encourage actions such as consolidating pension pots or adjusting contributions.

London officials warn that stronger engagement brings risks as well as opportunities, with many consumers still lacking clear retirement plans. Policymakers aim to balance protection with flexibility, promoting informed decisions while avoiding overly restrictive systems.

Advances in AI are also enabling more personalised financial guidance, making it easier for users to explore retirement scenarios. Experts say the future of pensions will depend on integrating savings, housing and wider financial planning into a more connected system.

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UK-Philippines partnership advances digital education and EdTech

The British Embassy in Manila and the Philippines’ Department of Education have expanded cooperation to advance EdTech and digital learning, focusing on inclusive and evidence-based approaches instead of fragmented implementation.

A partnership that aims to strengthen foundational learning while supporting long-term resilience in the education system.

Support is being delivered through EdTech Hub, with initiatives centred on developing a National EdTech Policy, improving responses to climate-related disruptions, and expanding the use of AI in education administration.

The programme includes pilot projects and evaluation frameworks designed to ensure technology adoption remains effective, scalable, and responsive to local needs.

A key component involves participation in global AI initiatives, including an observatory and challenge programme to build institutional capacity and encourage experimentation.

These efforts seek to enhance efficiency in education systems while supporting innovation in teaching and learning environments, particularly in areas affected by environmental and structural challenges.

The collaboration between the UK and the Philippines reflects a broader commitment to digital transformation in education across Southeast Asia, aiming to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities.

By combining research, policy development, and technological innovation, both sides seek to prepare students and institutions for evolving demands while maintaining a focus on inclusion and long-term sustainability.

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UK backs quantum technology with £2 billion plan

The UK government has unveiled a £2 billion package to accelerate quantum technology development and deploy large-scale quantum computers. The plan aims to position the United Kingdom as a global leader in a field expected to rival AI.

Ministers said the programme will support research, skills and infrastructure while creating high-paid jobs. A new procurement scheme will invite companies to build prototype quantum systems, with the most advanced designs scaled for national use.

The initiative will integrate research, manufacturing and investment to speed up commercial applications in the UK. Officials believe quantum technology could transform sectors such as healthcare, energy and cybersecurity while boosting long-term economic growth.

Industry partnerships and university collaborations will play a central role in delivering the strategy. Experts say the approach could unlock major breakthroughs, though success will depend on sustained investment and global competition.

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