What generative AI means for the communications sector

Whether you believe that generative AI has the potential to change the world for good, or that it poses more risks than benefits, most experts agree it is likely to have a significant impact on the future of our economy and society as a whole. This is certainly true for the communications industries. From security to broadcast content, and from online safety to spectrum management, generative AI promises to disrupt traditional service delivery, business models, and consumer behaviour. The use of generative AI could also pose risks. Teams across Ofcom are closely monitoring the development of generative AI. Our technical, research and policy teams are undertaking research to better understand the novel opportunities and risks surrounding the development and use of generative AI models across the communications sectors that Ofcom regulates, and the steps that developers and other industry players are taking to mitigate those risks.