UKIE has teamed up with Sheridans to launch the AI Compliance and Accreditation Service, aimed at assisting UK studios in the legal and responsible utilization of AI

UKIE's AI Compliance and Accrediation Service

Image credit: UKIE/Sheridans

The UK Interactive Entertainment Association (UKIE) has teamed up with the legal firm Sheridans to introduce a service designed to help gaming studios in the UK integrate AI into their operations both lawfully and responsibly.

This service, referred to as the AI Compliance and Accreditation Service, follows a comprehensive four-stage process which concludes with the attainment of the UKIE Certification Mark. This mark serves as a demonstration of adherence to legal standards, providing an edge during business presentations and securing investors.

In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, UKIE's CEO Nick Poole expressed that their goal is to offer a straightforward path for gaming companies to navigate the rapidly evolving AI sector. The intention is to set a standard that is acknowledged industry-wide.

Poole emphasized that many members are experimenting with AI but share concerns about legal and commercial risks. They need a reliable way to prove they have addressed these issues seriously.

UKIE's service provides businesses with the tools to review and improve their practices, assuring stakeholders that they are committed to using AI thoughtfully.

Anna Poulter-Jones, a partner at Sheridans, noted the need to regularly review AI policies due to ever-changing regulations and policies surrounding AI use.

Poulter-Jones added that part of their offering involves evaluating a studio's current AI policies. Studios with existing policies can opt for a review to ensure they are in compliance with the latest legal frameworks, while those without can create new policies from scratch. Follow-up reviews can be scheduled, especially if there are significant legal changes or shifts in how the studio plans to utilize AI.

Poulter-Jones has also shared insights regarding critical legal developments affecting gaming studios, detailed further here.

The service is priced between £1,500 and £2,000 for UKIE members for a complete compliance check and policy creation, and £2,000 to £2,500 for non-members. Meanwhile, a review of an existing policy costs between £500 and £750 for members, and £750 to £1,000 for non-members.

Poole mentioned that choosing Sheridans for this initiative was strategic due to their deep understanding of AI law and the gaming industry. Sheridans, recognized for their experience in intellectual property and technological advancements including AI, are well-equipped to help studios integrate legal compliance into their operations seamlessly.