Artificial intelligence without digital discrimination

As the civil service continues to tackle coronavirus – launching new services, transforming existing ones, and using data to understand this huge and novel threat – machine learning (ML) technologies could prove invaluable. But first, we humans must learn how to avoid the risks inherent in these machines. Deployed intelligently, ML could dramatically improve the efficiency of civil service business processes, the quality of decision-making, and the government's ability to tackle threats such as COVID-19. And in an era of rapid, disruptive change and fast-rising public expectations, it's more important than ever that public services meet citizens' needs. Poorly designed ML systems could lead to discriminatory outcomes, weaken case management and regulatory frameworks, infringe on citizens' data rights, and undermine accountability and transparency.