Artificial Intelligence is advancing fast, but questions around privacy, bias, and responsibility are becoming impossible to ignore.

At a recent UK parliamentary roundtable, legal, ethical, and academic experts – including representatives from the Ada Lovelace Institute – came together to discuss AI and Human Rights, the state of regulation, and how public interest must be protected.

This blog summarises key takeaways from that discussion, and what they mean for businesses using AI in the real world.

AI Systems Aren’t Neutral - They Reflect Human Decisions

AI tools may feel automatic, but they’re not autonomous. Every stage – from data selection to algorithm design – carries human bias and judgement.
As Professor David Leslie put it, AI systems often act as “surrogate cognitive functions,” replacing human decision-making but without built-in responsibility or recourse.

This is especially important in sectors like healthcare, HR, finance, and government, where decisions made by algorithms can significantly affect people’s lives.

Bias, Fairness & the Importance of Risk Assessments

One of the most urgent concerns raised was the issue of bias in AI training data. Without proper oversight, large datasets can reinforce existing stereotypes and inequalities.

That’s why experts are calling for:

Fairness audits
Ex-ante risk assessments
Demographic-specific performance testing

These are essential to ensuring AI outcomes are equitable, transparent, and aligned with your organisation’s values.

Surveillance, Privacy & Public Trust

The use of AI in surveillance, such as facial recognition or predictive policing, raises serious questions around civil liberties, consent, and control.

Even in commercial settings, hyper-personalised AI interactions can edge into ethical grey areas. The consensus? There needs to be public involvement and greater transparency around how AI technologies are used in both public and private sectors.

The UK’s Role in Global AI Governance

With the UK contributing to frameworks like the Council of Europe’s Convention on AI and Human Rights, British businesses are well-placed to lead by example.

There’s growing momentum for:

Clear definitions and thresholds for AI use
Mandatory reporting requirements
An independent AI ombudsman with enforcement powers

While legislation evolves, businesses don’t need to wait. Embedding responsible AI practices today builds long-term trust and resilience.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re adopting Microsoft Copilot, exploring AI-powered automation, or reviewing your cybersecurity and compliance policies, now is the time to build ethical awareness into your strategy.

AI adoption isn’t just a technical journey -it’s a people one too.

Start with Integrity. Build with Confidence.

At ADM, we support organisations across the South East with AI licensing, consultancy and staff enablement; with a focus on security, usability, and doing the right thing.

We don’t believe in buzzwords or quick fixes. Just clear, trusted advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Let’s talk about your AI journey - Book in a free AI Discovery Call

Editorial Note

This blog is based on an uncorrected transcript of evidence taken in public and webcast by the UK Parliament via parliamentlive.tv.

The content has not been formally approved by the witnesses or committee members. Any interpretation is for general informational purposes only. For clarification or permission regarding public use, please contact the Clerk of the Committee.

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Blog Author

Isaac Ford-Wilson – AI Lead/Marketing & Brand Development

Isaac Ford-Wilson is ADM’s resident public speaker and finds himself presenting at events all over the country. He also steers the marketing for ADM and manages all of our wonderful events. Isaac is our “go-to” for anything related to emerging technologies and AI. In his free time, Isaac enjoys cooking, watching new films and spending time with his family and friends.