Understanding Public Perspectives on the UK’s AI Bill On Behalf of The Ada Lovelace Institute
M·E·L Research has been commissioned by the Ada Lovelace Institute to deliver a new study on public attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in the UK and the UK’s AI Bill. The project comes at a critical point, with government preparing to consult on a new bill that will shape how advanced technologies are governed.
“What excites me about this project is hearing directly from people about how AI shows up in their daily lives, whether that’s through the services they rely on, or the choices being made about them. By bringing those voices into the conversation, we can highlight where the technology is working, where it isn’t, and make sure people’s perspectives are reflected in the evidence that policymakers draw on, particularly around safeguards, accountability and how responsibility is shared.”
The study will involve a large-scale, nationally representative online survey to understand what, if anything, people across the UK want from AI regulation. We will gather evidence on priorities such as:
How rules and safeguards should be enforced, if at all
The importance of accountability and transparency
The respective roles of government, industry and independent oversight
Public perceptions of risk, fairness and responsibility
This evidence will directly inform Ada Lovelace Institute’s response to the AI bill consultation. It will also provide policymakers with clear insight into how regulation can reflect public priorities, strengthening both trust and legitimacy in the UK’s approach to AI regulation.
For M·E·L Research, this project draws on our expertise in designing and delivering robust quantitative research on complex policy issues. Our role is to ensure that decisions are grounded in evidence that reflects the views and concerns of the people most affected.
This project also builds on our recent work with the MACH Alliance, where we surveyed organisations worldwide about their adoption and use of AI in the context of microservices, API-first, cloud-native and headless (MACH) technologies. The study examined how businesses are navigating digital transformation, the barriers they encounter, and the opportunities created by new architectures.
Alongside this, we are undertaking research for a UK regulator into potentially harmful online content, exploring how people experience risks online and what safeguards are needed to ensure services remain safe and accessible.
Together, these projects highlight M·E·L Research’s growing expertise in exploring how technological change is experienced across both industry and society, from business adoption and innovation to public trust, governance, and equitable access.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, but it also raises important questions about trust, accountability and responsibility. We are pleased to be working with the Ada Lovelace Institute on this study, ensuring that public perspectives are represented in shaping the UK’s approach to AI regulation.”
Through this work, M·E·L Research is supporting an evidence-led approach to one of the most significant policy debates of our time, ensuring that innovation is matched with public confidence and long-term social value.
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