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Written question asked by Peter Kyle (Labour) on Monday, 19 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 February 2024 (named day). It was answered by Saqib Bhatti (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Government Departments: Artificial Intelligence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to page 40 of her Department's policy paper entitled A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation, published February 2024, what her planned timetable is for introducing legislation to require all Departments to use algorithmic transparency recording standards.

Answer

In the AI white paper consultation response, we announced that use of the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) will become a requirement for all central government departments, with an intent to extend this to the broader public sector over time. Following cross-government agreement and public announcement of the overall policy earlier this month, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Central Digital and Data Office are working with government departments to finalise the detailed scope (including some limited but necessary exemptions, e.g. for national security reasons), and an agreed timeline for compliance. We intend to agree the detailed policy across government in April.

This route will provide sufficient means to assess compliance and effectiveness of the ATRS across the full range of uses of algorithmic tools in government, ensuring appropriate and proportionate exemptions are in place to protect public services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14646
Session
2023-24
Related items
Subjects
Government departments Standards Regulation Artificial intelligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk