Charity regulators in several countries, including across the UK, have pledged to work together to look at the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and increased use of artificial intelligence.

A joint working group is being set up and the regulators have pledged to share their experiences of how tech is used in their region and explore how AI can be used ethically to enhance their regulatory work.

The partnership around AI has emerged from a meeting of regulators from nine nations last month.

Those present represent regulators in England and Wales, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Isle of Man, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Also at the talks was a representative of the National Association of State Charity Officials in the US.

“They noted the challenges and opportunities for themselves and those they regulate, linked to the rapid evolution of the use of AI in the workplace,” according to a communique from the regulators who attended.

“While recognising the significant benefits, they also registered a note of caution in relation to the increased use of AI by rogue actors attempting to circumvent robust processes.

“Some regulators had observed an increase in applications for charitable status and campaign-style complaints, generated entirely by AI.”

During the summer the Charity Commission for England & Wales highlighted an increase in attempts by criminals to use AI to fraudulently set up charities.

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