“Artificial Intelligence is the defining opportunity of our
generation”
This quotation from the Prime Minister in the January 2025 Plan for
Changecaptures the importance of harnessing the power of
pioneering AI to advance government policy and practice.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) recognises the
impact of AI on consumer product safety and standards,
particularly as the market demand for AI-driven consumer products
has rapidly accelerated in recent years. AI has become
increasingly sophisticated, and more and more products are
marketed as having AI functionality. To capture the rapidly
evolving trends in AI and to monitor the benefits and risks of
the role of AI in product safety, OPSS recently delivered an
update to its 2021 report on AI in
consumer products.
What did the research find?
The research highlights a range of changes in the use of AI since
2021. Notably, the use of Generative AI to produce content
including images, videos and audio has become commonplace.
Regarding consumer trends, smart connected home devices, often
featuring AI, have grown by a third since 2017-2018. The research
also notes the rising use of smart wearables with integrated
generative AI. For example, smart glasses' innovative functions
include image recognition with real time descriptions,
translation of foreign languages and use by drivers to monitor
fatigue and provide hazard alerts. Robotics have evolved to
include AI-driven assistance with domestic chores, allowing user
interaction, as well as their development for use in industrial
settings, such as to guard and patrol warehouses.
Enhanced convenience, customisation, safety and security are all
portrayed as benefits of AI for the consumer. For example, AI
enables timely repair and replacement of product parts through
continuous smart performance monitoring. This has the potential
to reduce safety incidents caused by malfunctioning products.
Some consumer products, such as smart wearable devices, can
‘memorise' the user's data to provide personalised
recommendations. In addition, AI security features, such as
facial recognition on mobile phones, have the potential to
safeguard privacy through enhanced control over data.
Despite these advantages and the potential of AI to streamline
daily tasks and change entire industries, the report also
critically discusses the potential for AI-related harm. These
range from physical risks, such as injury caused by robot
malfunctioning, to non-physical harms, such as privacy
violations. While there is a growing body of evidence documenting
incidents of non-physical harms resulting from the integration of
AI into consumer products, evidence of physical harm is limited.
Nevertheless, the research suggests that physical harms are
possible in theory, which highlights the importance of monitoring
and reporting AI-related hazards.
Highlighting the recognition of the potential risks of using AI,
since 2021 there have been a range of developments in regulation
and policy. Many countries have established bodies to consider
the risks of AI, such as the UK's AI security institute. Some
countries, including the UK, US, Singapore and Japan have opted
to regulate AI using non-statutory methods; this differs from the
law-based approach of the EU, South Korea and China. Governments
are required to negotiate the challenge of maintaining an
effective balance between enabling AI innovation with ensuring
regulation mitigates AI-related risks.
The research recommends continued collaboration between countries
and international organisations to monitor AI developments, apply
regulatory and policy measures and engage with key stakeholders,
including consumers, businesses and academics to guarantee AI is
safe, responsible and trustworthy.
How will OPSS use these findings in policy and
practice?
OPSS is very aware of the use of AI in products, and the
regulatory challenges for product safety associated with that,
thanks to its work on the subject including the research
referenced here. Its Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which
has recently passed through all its parliamentary stages,
includes powers to ensure the UK's regulatory framework can keep
pace with emerging technologies such as AI.
Read the full report: Update on OPSS artificial
intelligence (AI) research - GOV.UK
Opportunities to work at the forefront of AI development
and regulation with OPSS
At OPSS, we are developing effective government policy and
practice regarding the use and regulation of AI to keep people
and places safe from product related harm.
To find out more about opportunities to help ‘shape the AI revolution'
within OPSS, keep an eye out for the latest vacancies: Home
- OPSS.
