Open letter: A UK framework for safer AI-generated health information

A coalition of charities, including Marie Curie, the Patient Information Forum (PIF), Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation, has written an open letter raising concerns over AI-generated health information. 

The letter, which will be sent to the new Minister for Artificial Intelligence Kanishka Narayan, has been signed by 115 health charities and membership organisations. It calls on the UK Government to lead the development of a UK-wide framework for safe AI-generated health information. The coalition seeks to ensure people are directed to trusted, evidence-based sources when seeking health advice online or using large language models (LLMs).  

Minimum safety standards

The coalition is calling on the UK Government to convene AI companies, the health system, regulators, patient organisations and the voluntary sector to agree minimum safety standards for AI-generated health information. It wants a framework established to monitor and evaluate the impact of AI-generated health information on patient safety, public health outcomes and health inequalities. In addition, the letter asks for:

• A recognised verification framework for trusted UK health information sources, building on initiatives such as the PIF TICK.
• AI systems operating in the UK to prioritise and reference verified NHS and UK-based accredited health information sources. 
• Guidance on high-risk health topics where users should be directed to trusted information and support services. 
• Mandatory transparency measures, including appropriate warnings where health information is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.
• Effective signposting to NHS services, healthcare professionals and specialist support organisations for information and support where appropriate.

More information

A campaign officially launching the open letter will go live on Monday, 2 November. Download the letter below to find out more about our concerns and see the full list of signatories. You can also download a supporting evidence pack with data points to support the campaign.