Prohibition
The legal ban on developing, deploying, and operating Artificial Superintelligence Systems in the UK.
How the laws define this
Both authorities agree that a prohibition represents a binding legal restriction that forbids specified artificial intelligence activities. They diverge, however, on whether the restriction targets an entire category of technology or specific unlawful practices, as well as on their geographical scope and implementation mechanisms. Under the Artificial Superintelligence Bill, prohibition is the legal act of forbidding the development, deployment, and operation of Artificial Superintelligence Systems within the United Kingdom. Conversely, Ireland’s National Implementation Roadmap for the EU Artificial Intelligence Act frames prohibition as a set of AI practices banned EU-wide under Article 5 and related provisions of the AI Act, specifically noting certain manipulative or rights-infringing uses. Furthermore, while the United Kingdom instrument focuses on prohibiting system development, deployment, and operation within its jurisdiction, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act provisions described in Ireland's roadmap apply across the EU, began to apply from 2 February 2025, and must be enforced at national level.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
What it triggers
- Under the Artificial Superintelligence Bill, it would prohibit the development, deployment, and operation of Artificial Superintelligence Systems in the United Kingdom.source
Definitions (2)
The legal act of forbidding the development, deployment, and operation of Artificial Superintelligence Systems within the United Kingdom.
The set of AI practices prohibited EU‑wide under Article 5 and related provisions of the AI Act (e.g., certain manipulative or rights‑infringing uses); these prohibitions began to apply from 2 February 2025 and must be enforced at national level.
Questions and answers
What does Prohibition mean under the UK Artificial Superintelligence Bill?
It refers to the proposed legal ban on developing, deploying, and operating Artificial Superintelligence Systems in the UK. These systems are defined by their capacity to undermine national security and human authority.
Is the Prohibition term binding in the UK or Ireland?
In the UK, it is a proposed Bill that would ban ASI if enacted. In Ireland, it describes a non-binding policy roadmap for EU AI Act prohibitions.