UK government upgrades AI tool regulation: from criticism to penalty threats, platform dilemma emerges

【Crypto World】The UK government’s recent stance on regulating a certain AI tool platform has taken a sharp turn. Multiple official channels have issued strong signals: not only criticizing its operational model as “unacceptable,” but also threatening potential fines worth billions of pounds, and even considering comprehensive access restrictions. More radical voices suggest that merely using the tool itself could potentially be illegal.

This shift reflects a deeper trend. Regulatory authorities are pushing forward with “cooperation” through concrete actions—though it’s more accurately described as enforced compromise. Every time a platform makes a concession to meet current regulatory demands, the next round of demands follows. This vicious cycle has a clear endpoint: platforms gradually evolve into free enforcement tools for government agencies, losing any independent operational space.

From a policy design perspective, this approach is highly effective. Through threats, fines, access restrictions, and other measures, the government can gradually expand its control. For platform operators, this means falling into an unsolvable dilemma: either face fines, be shut down, or be forced to serve as a regulatory tool. The choice has long been out of their hands.