[UK Parliament, 12.02.2025] Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank has welcomed the UK Government’s proactive steps to protect consumers from artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled scams, following confirmation of the Government’s approach to tackling deepfake technology, AI-generated phishing scams, and other forms of fraud.
The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling AI-driven fraud in response to a written parliamentary question from Euan Stainbank MP. The Government is legislating to ban non-consensual sexual deepfakes through the Data (Use and Access) Bill, ensuring AI-generated fraud falls under the Online Safety Act, and collaborating with the Home Office and HM Treasury via the Joint Fraud Taskforce to combat fraud across multiple sectors.
Mr Stainbank said:
“I welcome the Government’s recognition of the risks posed by AI-driven scams and the decisive action being taken to address them. The rapid evolution of AI technology has enabled increasingly sophisticated forms of fraud, and it is vital that our legislation keeps pace to protect consumers from exploitation.
“The ban on non-consensual deepfakes is an important step, and I am encouraged by the wider efforts to ensure AI-generated fraud is tackled under the Online Safety Act. However, with AI-driven scams becoming more prevalent, we must remain vigilant and continue working across Government and industry to stay ahead of emerging threats.
“I will continue to press for further measures to strengthen protections for individuals and businesses in Falkirk and beyond, ensuring that AI is harnessed for good while minimising the risks of harm.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Euan Stainbank MP asked the UK Government the following written question:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help protect consumers from (a) deepfake technology, (b) AI-generated phishing scams and (c) other fraud enabled by artificial intelligence.The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology responded:
The Government takes the threats posed by generative AI extremely seriously. That is why we are taking forward our manifesto commitment to ban the creation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes in the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
AI-generated content is captured by the Online Safety Act where it constitutes illegal content or content harmful to children on an in-scope service. Fraud is designated a priority offence under the Act, and in-scope services will need to take proactive measures to tackle illegal fraud content.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology also works jointly with the Home Office and HM Treasury through the Joint Fraud Taskforce to address fraud across different sectors.
- The question and answer above are available on the UK Parliament website: https://members.parliament.uk/member/5110/writtenquestions.
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