The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has set out terms how government departments and agencies let the public know how they are making use of AI.
It has also highlighted the increasing use of algorithmic tools by government departments and agencies.
DSIT said it is increasing transparency in government’s use of AI by setting clear terms for the tools algorithmic transparency records will cover.
This confirms that central government organisations will publish a record for any algorithmic tool that interacts directly with citizens or significantly influences decisions made about people, unless a narrow set of exemptions apply such as national security. It also confirms that records will be published for tools once they are being piloted publicly or are live and running.
The records set out how reliable data is used to train AI models, what underlying technology is used in each case, and how any risks are managed effectively. In every case where civil servants use algorithmic tools to make quicker decisions, the records also show how trained staff remain behind the ultimate decision making process.
New records
DSIT has also published a collection of records in the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard. This helps public sector organisations provide clear information about the algorithmic tools they use, and why they’re using them.
It pointed to examples such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office using AI to more quickly provide Britons with information when they need help abroad, and how the Ministry of Justice is using algorithms to help researchers better understand how people interact with the justice system. In addition, other departments are using AI to improve job adverts.
This has come has DSIT is shaping a new ‘digital centre of government’ to boost technology adoption across the public sector.
Transformation potential
Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Technology has huge potential to transform public services for the better, we will put it to use to cut backlogs, save money and improve outcomes for citizens across the country.
“Transparency in how and why the public sector is using algorithmic tools is crucial to ensure that they are trusted and effective. That is why we will continue to take bold steps like releasing these records to make sure everyone is clear on how we are applying and trialling technology as we use it to bring public services back from the brink.”
Ada Lovelace response
The announcement prompted a response from the Ada Lovelace Institute, which specialises in data and AI.
Its associate director, Imogen Parker, said: “We welcome the publication of these new records as they are evidence of the Government’s commitment to transparency about the use of AI and algorithms in the public sector. As the minister rightly states, transparency is crucial to ensuring these systems are trusted and effective.
“But there is still a long way to go to improve public trust. The Government’s own public attitudes research has found that only 4 in 10 of the public trust the Government to be transparent about data use.
“The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard has been mandated across central government departments, through a new mandatory scope and exemptions policy, which means we can expect more records will be published over the coming months.
“However, it is too early to say if this mandate to publish will prove effective on its own. It has no statutory basis and leaves departments to interpret the scope and exemptions, which could lead to confusion, ambiguity and failures to disclose. Transparency records can be an effective way of supporting public trust, but only if they are published as part of a credible mechanism that is itself transparent and effectively enforced.”
