The UK was the first country in the world to turn legislation into structured data a pioneering step that has transformed how citizens, businesses, and regulators access and understand the law. This milestone, led by The National Archives in partnership with TSO (The Stationery Office), marked the beginning of a new era in how governments manage and share regulatory information.
According to Richard South, CEO of TSO, unlocking regulation means making complex legislation easier to find, use, and understand. For decades, regulatory information has been trapped in static PDFs and paper-style documents; formats that are hard to search, interpret, or integrate with modern technology. By converting regulation into structured, machine-readable formats, the public sector can make information more transparent and usable for everyone.
This shift has far-reaching benefits. For businesses, it reduces compliance costs and helps them focus on growth. For regulators, it improves efficiency and encourages consistency. And for society at large, it builds trust in the systems that govern us.
Artificial intelligence is accelerating this change. As AI becomes embedded in public services, structured data ensures that these systems interpret laws correctly, understanding what rules apply, when they apply, and to whom. Without clear, well-structured information, even the most advanced AI risks misinterpreting the law.
Unlocking regulation is not just a technical exercise, it’s a foundation for digital transformation in government. By making regulation open, connected, and accessible, the UK continues to lead globally in how information empowers innovation and compliance alike.
🎧 To explore this topic further, listen to The DigiGov Podcast – Episode #1: Unlocking Regulation in the Public Sector featuring Richard South of TSO.
Piers Kelly
Experienced Marketing Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the events services industry. Enjoys writing on Cyber Security, Emerging Tech & Digital Transformation. Marketing professional with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Politics and Economics from Newcastle University.
