ECNL urges UK to close regulatory gaps on AI in submission to parliamentary human rights inquiry
In a submission to the UK Joint Committee on Human Rights, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law calls for a comprehensive and rights-based regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. The organisation warns that existing approaches fall short of protecting individuals and communities as AI adoption accelerates across the public sector.
The European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) has submitted written evidence to the UK Joint Committee on Human Rights as part of its inquiry into Human Rights and the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence. The inquiry examines whether current legal and regulatory frameworks in the UK are adequate to address the human rights risks posed by AI systems, particularly as the government signals plans to expand AI use across public services.
In its submission, ECNL argues that the UK currently lacks a horizontal legal framework governing the design, development, and deployment of AI systems in line with human rights obligations. While existing laws provide partial safeguards, ECNL notes that they do not offer consistent protection across sectors or throughout the AI lifecycle. The organisation highlights that technologies such as facial recognition, predictive systems in health and welfare, and generative AI already demonstrate risks related to privacy, discrimination, transparency, and access to effective remedies.
ECNL acknowledges that AI can deliver benefits when deployed with appropriate safeguards, citing examples such as accessibility tools. However, it stresses that without mandatory impact assessments and oversight mechanisms, AI systems can entrench bias, undermine civic freedoms, and disproportionately affect marginalised groups. The submission criticises the UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan for prioritising economic growth and innovation while failing to clearly anchor AI governance in human rights protection.
To address these gaps, ECNL recommends that the UK government expedite ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. It also calls for the adoption of a flexible, cross-sectoral regulatory framework applying to both public and private actors, supported by an independent body responsible for ongoing risk assessment, guidance, and stakeholder engagement.
The submission further urges the UK to invest in international coordination mechanisms at the Council of Europe and United Nations level to ensure accountability, human oversight, and consistent standards across borders. According to ECNL, embedding human rights impact assessments and adaptive oversight into AI governance would not hinder innovation, but rather help build public trust and prevent long-term social and economic harm.
