On October 8, 2024, the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) published the government’s response to the Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) report on regulating quantum technology applications. The government accepted 11 of the 14 recommendations and accepted the remaining three in principle.
According to a written statement to Parliament, the response makes the UK the first nation to outline its regulatory approach to quantum technologies. DSIT stated that it is too early to regulate quantum computing applications with legislation but that sustained action is required now to increase regulatory capability and enable a sector-specific and application-specific approach in the future.
Key commitments in the response included support for a regulation-by-application approach led by sectoral regulators, the convening of a Regulatory Forum for Quantum Technologies, and continued support for the industry-led Responsible Quantum Industry Forum (RQIF). The government also committed to international collaboration on pro-innovation regulation and to building on its involvement in international standards work.
The response was published alongside the launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) within DSIT, which will expand regulatory reform functions including those of the Regulatory Horizons Council. The RHC had originally published its quantum report in February 2024 following extensive stakeholder engagement commissioned under the UK National Quantum Strategy.