The UK government has failed to include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the mandatory register, with no Whitehall department registering any AI systems since it was made mandatory. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the public sector operating “flying blind” without adequate information on the deployment of AI technology that impacts millions of lives.
Despite AI already being utilized by the government for various purposes such as benefit payments and immigration enforcement, only nine algorithmic systems have been submitted to the public register. This includes a lack of disclosure of AI programs used in the welfare system, by the Home Office, or by the police.
Experts have warned about the potential harms of adopting AI uncritically, citing examples of IT systems like the Post Office’s Horizon software not functioning as intended. AI systems in use within Whitehall range from Microsoft’s Copilot system to automated fraud and error checks in the benefits system.
Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for science and technology, acknowledged the lack of transparency in the government’s use of algorithms. He emphasized the importance of being transparent about the use of algorithms when they impact the public.
Privacy rights campaign group Big Brother Watch criticized the government’s lack of transparency over the use of AI technology, especially concerning the police facial recognition contract. The emergence of this contract raised concerns about data rights and the need for government departments to be open and honest about their use of AI.
The Ada Lovelace Institute highlighted the potential risks associated with AI systems, emphasizing the importance of transparency to maintain public trust and ensure public benefit. The lack of transparency in publishing algorithmic transparency records limits the public sector’s ability to assess the effectiveness and social impacts of AI tools.
Although only three algorithms have been recorded on the national register, there have been 164 contracts with public bodies mentioning AI since February. Tech companies like Microsoft and Meta are actively promoting their AI systems across government, with the potential to revolutionize government services.
In addition to public-facing AI systems, the government is also using AI for internal purposes such as analyzing documents, improving education performance, and transforming council operations. The Department for Work and Pensions, Home Office, police forces, and NHS England are among the government bodies utilizing AI technology for various functions.
Overall, the lack of transparency in the government’s use of AI raises concerns about accountability, public trust, and potential risks associated with algorithmic decision-making. It is crucial for government departments to be transparent about their use of AI technology to ensure that it serves the public’s interests effectively and ethically.
