Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department has taken to assess the impact of the barriers imposed by the Computer Misuse Act 1990 on cybersecurity professionals' ability to deploy and use artificial intelligence tools to enhance the UK’s resilience against increasing cyber threats.

The Government recognises the major role UK cybersecurity professionals play in enhancing and protecting the UK’s resilience against cyber threats, and it is vital that we support them.

In an increasingly digital world, it is important that the CMA remains up to date and fit for purpose. The Home Office is in the process of reviewing the CMA, including considering the impact of emerging technologies such as AI. It is important that any changes brought forward are proportionate and do not undermine law enforcement’s ability to take action against cyber criminals. The Home Office will update on proposals taken forward in due course.