meta_id 3318188

On July 10, 2026, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) published a thematic review and gap analysis on the security of artificial intelligence (AI). The department commissioned Lancaster University to conduct the independent research, which examined peer-reviewed publications on AI security from January 2021 to January 2026. The review identified 9,109 relevant publications across 12 thematic areas, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in AI security. The analysis revealed significant gaps in the existing literature, with five prevalent areas identified where further research is needed. DSIT undertook this review to develop a detailed understanding of research trends and deficiencies in AI security, contributing to the government's broader efforts to assess the cyber security implications of critical and emerging technologies. The findings support the UK government's work to enhance the nation's cyber resilience in response to technological advancement. The report represents independent research and does not constitute UK government policy; the views and findings are derived from Lancaster University's research leadership. This initiative forms part of the government's wider strategy to understand how emerging technologies, particularly AI, present both opportunities and security challenges to the United Kingdom's critical infrastructure and digital systems. The full thematic review and gap analysis is available on the GOV.UK website.