LONDON, UK — The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is intensifying its oversight of artificial intelligence as concerns grow over how increasingly autonomous AI systems handle personal information.

In an update published on 8 October 2026, the regulator said 10 major AI developers—including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Meta, Amazon and Anthropic—had made or committed to making data-protection improvements following its scrutiny. <Cite refs={["turn486142search0"]} />

The ICO has also launched a six-week call for evidence on agentic AI, which refers to systems capable of carrying out tasks and taking actions with limited human intervention. The regulator wants to understand how developers and organisations manage the associated privacy risks.

Unlike conventional chatbots, AI agents may interact with external systems, process personal information and perform multi-step tasks. These capabilities can create new questions about consent, accountability, data access and human oversight.

The ICO confirmed it has made enquiries involving OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and the UK’s AI Security Institute regarding AI testing and deployment earlier in 2026. The regulator’s announcement does not mean those organisations have been found to have breached data-protection law.

The developments signal that AI privacy compliance and agent security are becoming important priorities for technology companies operating in the UK. Businesses deploying AI tools will need to consider how personal data is accessed, processed and protected as systems become more autonomous.