The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF, comprising the UK Competition and Markets Authority, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, Information Commissioner's Office and Ofcom) have published a paper on the future of agentic AI and exploring how UK regulatory frameworks can help realise the opportunities of this technology in a responsible and safe way. The DRCF defines agentic AI as an agent that acts on behalf of users. Unlike standard generative AI, which responds to queries and creates outputs, agentic systems can assess goals, plan workflows and execute actions autonomously to impact real-world environments and interact with people or other agents.
While recognising that agentic AI could deliver significant benefits to consumers, the paper highlights that it can also amplify existing risks and introduce new ones, particularly in relation to data protection, consumer protection, online safety and cybersecurity. It considers potential future developments and sets out early views on cross regulatory implications across four key areas: (i) governance; (ii) data protection and cybersecurity; (iii) consumer rights and interests; and (iv) market dynamics and competition. The DRCF emphasises that agentic AI does not fall outside existing legal frameworks and that obligations on transparency, fairness, accountability and consumer outcomes continue to apply. The DRCF emphasises that organisational responsibility for legal compliance remains unchanged notwithstanding the autonomy of agentic AI, and that regulators will continue to work collectively and individually to support a clear and coherent regulatory approach enabling safe and responsible adoption.
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