Transparency and Accountability of Government Algorithm Use (NZ0031)

Objective

To strengthen the transparency and accountability of algorithm use across government through improved supports to implement the principles of the Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ambition

To embed the principles of the Algorithm Charter consistently across government data management practice and use through shared practice, tools and supports, and system stewardship focussed on the ethical and transparent use of algorithms.

Status Quo

The intention of the Algorithm Charter is to increase public confidence and visibility around the use of algorithms within the public sector. An independent review of the Algorithm Charter’s first year of operation found that there is almost universal support for the Algorithm Charter amongst government agencies and subject matter experts, and that the Charter has been influential in changing practice. As a result of the Charter, agencies have implemented new risk management policies; established ethics committees and review boards; created new roles to oversee emerging technologies; performed stocktakes and reviews of their algorithms; evaluated the potential for risks that would have previously been unforeseen; and been transparent with the public about the types of algorithms that are being used. The review also found that agencies would not have made the move towards publishing their algorithms online, if it had not been for the Charter. However, the review also identified that most agencies have addressed their Charter commitments largely on their own and without knowledge of how other agencies were going about it. Several agencies expressed concern that perhaps their approach wasn’t optimal and that other agencies may have a better approach. Agencies also expressed a need for information on what is considered ‘best practice’ in respect to different charter commitments and a medium for accessing expert support when needed. The review recommended the need to deliver additional support to agencies to implement the Charter.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

This commitment could help to embed Māori perspectives and reflect the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi in the way algorithms are designed and used.

OGP Values: Transparency, Accountability

Milestones

Verifiable and measurable milestones to fulfil the commitment | Start date - End date

Establish a community of practice or network to share knowledge and best practice, and build capability across signatories of the Charter | January 2023 - June 2023

Work with stakeholders to prioritise recommendations from the Charter’s One Year Review and design an implementation plan for the high priority recommendations. | January 2023 - December 2023

Provide tools, guidance and other supports to signatories to help them meet the transparency and accountability objectives of the Charter | June 2024 - December 2024

Action Plan Review

Commitment 8. Improve Transparency and Accountability of Algorithm Use Across Government

● Verifiable: Yes

● Does it have an open government lens? Yes

● Potential for results: Modest