Algorithmic Transparency in Government: Early Efforts to Standardize Practice

Algorithmic Transparency in Government: Early Efforts to Standardize Practice

This IDC Perspective analyzes the U.K. government's work to date on a new algorithmic transparency standard. It highlights the broader context for the standard within public sector organizations regionally and globally, and it also explains the strengths and weaknesses of the current approach. The report also highlights the additional steps that public sector organizations must consider — further to participating in this standard — to truly address the risks associated with the implementation of advanced algorithms. "Ethical use of data and artificial intelligence, including transparency and explainability of machine learning algorithms, is a top priority for public sector leaders across Europe. Senior civil servants should not be content with simply focusing on complying with standards; they should look holistically at the use of explainability in algorithm design, as well as data quality and management."

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