Minister Accused of Being Too Close to Big Tech After Analysis of Meetings
A senior cabinet minister, Peter Kyle, has been accused of being too close to big tech companies after an analysis of his meetings showed a significant increase in interactions with industry representatives since Labour came to power. According to an investigation by The Guardian, Kyle, the science and technology secretary, met people close to or representing the tech sector 28 times in a six-month period, which is nearly 70% more often than his predecessor, Michelle Donelan.
The findings have sparked criticism from those who believe Kyle has used his position to push the sector’s agenda, even in the face of concerns about online safety and protections for the creative industries. The UK’s artificial intelligence industry trade body, UKAI, has expressed concerns that smaller players are being squeezed out due to the government’s focus on big tech. "Our concern is that there is a huge imbalance between a handful of global players who are able to influence directly what No 10 is thinking about on policy, and the thousands of other businesses that make up the AI industry across the UK," said Tim Flagg, the UKAI chief executive.
Labour has placed the technology sector at the heart of its growth strategy, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating that artificial intelligence could "turbocharge growth". Kyle has been at the centre of the government’s outreach to the sector, praising those who work in it as "the bold people building a new future for Britain". However, a Labour source defended Kyle, stating that he was "clearly working nearly 70% harder than his predecessors" and meeting with a wide range of individuals, including inventors, investors, and innovators.
Some in the creative sector have criticised Kyle for piloting proposals to allow AI companies to circumvent copyright protections and use creative material to train their tools. The Guardian revealed last month that ministers had drawn up concessions to those plans after a backlash from some of the UK’s best-known artists, including Elton John and Paul McCartney. On Wednesday, ministers sought to block a Lords amendment to the data bill that would have required AI companies to disclose their use of copyright-protected content.
The Liberal Democrats’ science and technology spokesperson, Victoria Collins, accused Kyle of being too close to big tech, stating that he was "unable to defy his friends at Meta and X when it comes to standing up for our kids’ online safety or the rights of British creatives". Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative chair of the culture, media and sport select committee, urged Kyle to ensure he was hearing balanced voices from across the business sectors the UK economy depends upon.
A spokesperson for the science and technology department defended Kyle’s meetings with the tech sector, stating that regular engagement with technology companies of all sizes was fundamental to delivering economic growth and transforming public services. According to information published by the government, Kyle held meetings with people representing or advocating for technology companies 28 times between July 2024 and December 2024. Google, Amazon, and Microsoft were present at five of those meetings, while Meta attended four.
The data shows that five of Kyle’s meetings, all in early August, were to discuss online disinformation and how it had contributed to the spread of violence during that summer’s riots. However, almost every other meeting was to discuss "investment", "opportunities", or both. In August, Kyle met all four of those companies, and others from the industry, to discuss AI regulation. This year, he has met AI companies several times, according to documents obtained under freedom of information rules by the website tech.eu.
The meetings have raised concerns about the government’s approach to regulating the AI sector. Earlier this year, The Guardian revealed that the government was delaying its plans to regulate the AI sector. Last September, Kyle met Tony Blair in a meeting designed to "discuss [his department’s] priorities". However, information obtained by Politico under freedom of information laws shows that Blair used that meeting to suggest Kyle meet the Ellison Institute of Technology, which is funded by Larry Ellison, the billionaire tech mogul who also funds the Tony Blair Institute.
As the government continues to pursue a tech-focused trade deal with the US, concerns are growing about the influence of big tech on policy decisions. Kyle’s role in shaping the government’s approach to the tech sector has come under scrutiny, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability. As The Guardian continues to investigate, one thing is clear: the relationship between the government and big tech is set to remain a contentious issue in the months to come.
