Algorithmic Transparency and Accountability (UK0100)

Objective To help ensure that when advanced algorithmic systems are purchased, developed or used to support decision making that there are appropriate, clear and effective mechanisms for citizens to challenge those decisions.

What is the problem that the commitment will address? Various government departments use advanced algorithms to improve public services. To help build trust, the government is piloting transparency reporting methods for algorithmic tools used to assist decisions. While the Algorithmic Transparency Data Standard is expected to be helpful, civil society has expressed concerns that the mechanisms to enable people to challenge algorithm-assisted decisions, or information on whether algorithms are used in a particular context, are not clearly signposted in the places that people need them, and are not always effective.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the problem? By making appeal mechanisms for algorithm-assisted decisions more visible this commitment will: ● help people get access to public services to which they are entitled ● help intermediary groups support individuals and communities ● support teams that develop public services and advise on public policy to procure, design, build and operate responsible and trustworthy algorithmic systems

Milestones for discovery are detailed in the table below, however this may in the long-term lead to further actions, for example: ● campaigns to raise public awareness of existing mechanisms ● work with the general public and civil society organisations, particularly civil society organisations that work on frontline with historically unheard groups ● create and update guidance for teams developing public services and advising on public policy Milestones to fulfil the commitment New or ongoing Start Date End Date Work with internal and New March 2022 Jan 2023 external stakeholders to gauge the feasibility of conducting a scoping exercise focused on mapping existing legal requirements for appeal mechanisms, for example due to administrative law, data protection law, or domain-specific legislation; with a view to sharing this information with the public Engage with stakeholders and external experts to research public awareness and perceptions of existing accountability mechanisms New April 2022 March 2022

Action Plan Review

Commitment 3. Algorithmic transparency and accountability

● Verifiable: Yes

● Does it have an open government lens? Yes

● Potential for results: Unclear

Results Report

Commitment 3. Algorithmic transparency and accountability

This commitment aimed to improve transparency and accountability of algorithmic-assisted decisions. It had two milestones. The first was to map existing legal requirements for appeal mechanisms around algorithmic-assisted decisions. This scoping work was carried out as part of the Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill 2022-2023. The scoping work found it inappropriate to include these appeal mechanisms while the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) was still in the pilot stage. Consequently, despite the introduction of a new DPDI Bill on 8 March 2023, [45] the ATRS was not ready to be included. [46]

The second milestone involved engaging stakeholders and experts to research public awareness and perceptions of existing appeal mechanisms. Following pilot projects and consultations, the CDDO and Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation completed the ATRS and published the UK’s first algorithmic transparency reports in June 2022, on GOV.UK. [47] Additionally, an open call for feedback and roundtable discussions with around 100 private sector representatives gathered insights on accountability mechanisms and potential future improvements. [48]