UK Parliament Introduces AI Governance Bill for Public Sector

On September 9, 2024, Lord Tim Clement-Jones introduced the Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill in the UK Parliament. This private member’s bill aims to regulate AI use in public sector decision-making. Key provisions include mandatory algorithmic impact assessments, algorithmic transparency records, explanations for AI-assisted decisions, employee training, system logging, and an independent dispute resolution service. The bill covers algorithmic systems developed or procured by public authorities, excluding national security applications. It requires compliance with the Equality Act and Human Rights Act 1998 for AI-driven administrative decisions.

This development is noteworthy as it demonstrates the UK’s evolving approach to AI governance, moving away from last year’s focus on existential risks and the light-touch pro-innovation strategy. The bill’s introduction, coupled with the UK’s recent signing of the Council of Europe’s International AI Treaty, suggests a more proactive stance on AI regulation.

Source: UK Parliament, Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill, Bills UK Parliament, (Sept 9, 2024), https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3760