The DMA is urging Andy Burnham’s new-look Government to work closely with UK industry to develop a strong framework for the responsible use of AI, insisting the country has the opportunity to become a world leader but only if it supports innovation while ensuring consumer data is being used “fairly, securely and ethically”.
The move follows the appointment of Kanishka Narayan as the UK’s first AI Minister, as well as the scrapping of the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology, a decision that many tech and business leaders have railed against.
The industry body has already met with Government officials, who have outlined their continued commitment to working with the DMA within its new departmental housing of the Department of Culture Media & Sport.
The DMA maintains a critical test will be ensuring the successes of DSIT are preserved and that the opportunities created by bringing together DCMS and the new business department are fully realised.
DMA chief executive Rachel Aldighieri said: “The appointment of an AI Minister at Cabinet level is a welcome and important signal that the UK intends to take AI seriously as a driver of economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness.
“From the DMA’s perspective, what matters most now is ensuring that ambition is matched by a clear framework for the responsible use of AI. The UK has a real opportunity to become a world leader in AI-enabled marketing and customer engagement, but that leadership will only be sustainable if it is built on trust, transparency and the responsible use of data.
“AI is already transforming how organisations understand customers, personalise experiences and improve marketing effectiveness. Used well, it can unlock significant productivity gains and deliver more relevant, valuable experiences for consumers, but innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand.
“Our members and the wider business community need confidence that the Government will support innovation while giving consumers assurance that their data is being used fairly, securely and ethically.”
The DMA believes that as AI Minister, working within the newly structured government, Narayan has the opportunity to provide the strategic leadership needed to bring together industry, regulators and policymakers around that shared vision.
It argues that consistent engagement with businesses using AI in the real world will be essential if the UK is to develop practical, proportionate policy that keeps pace with technological change.
Aldighieri concluded: “We believe the opportunity for the UK is considerable. If government can provide long-term clarity, encourage responsible innovation and maintain a collaborative approach with industry, the UK will be well placed to lead not just in developing AI technologies, but in demonstrating how they can be deployed responsibly to create economic growth, consumer trust and lasting competitive advantage.”
Related stories
Industry chiefs back Burnham as the ‘creative champion’
DMA: AI delivers but human creativity is still paramount
Rise of agentic web ‘demands major marketing rethink’
Drive for AI and data to push tech spend over $6trillion
Combemale calls it a day after 24 years with the DMA
Aldighieri takes top DMA role as Combemale steps aside
DMA throws weight behind new Data (Use & Access) Bill
It was us wot won it: DMA claims Data Bill success
Be the first to comment on "DMA urges Govt to work with industry to drive AI boom"