Guidance

Guidance for organisations using the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard

This guidance has been designed to support public sector teams completing algorithmic transparency reports.

From:
Central Digital and Data Office and Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation
Published
5 January 2023

Documents

Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard - Guidance for Public Sector Bodies

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Details

Definitions

Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions. In artificial intelligence, the algorithm tells the machine how to find answers to a question or solutions to a problem.

Algorithmic tool

An algorithmic tool is a product, application, or device that supports or solves a specific problem, using complex algorithms. You can develop a tool in-house or buy from a third party. To help non-experts understand this work, we’re using ‘algorithmic tool’ as a deliberately broad term that covers different applications of AI and complex algorithms.

Model

A model is the output of an algorithm once it’s been trained on a data set. It combines the rules, numbers, and any other algorithm-specific data structures needed to make predictions. A model represents what was learned by a machine learning algorithm.

Which tools does this apply to?

The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard is most relevant for algorithmic tools that either:

  • have a significant influence on a decision-making process with direct or indirect public effect, or

  • directly interact with the general public.

To decide whether your tool has a public effect, you might want to consider whether usage of the tool could:

  • materially affect individuals, organisations or groups

  • have a legal, economic, or similar impact on individuals, organisations or groups

  • affect procedural or substantive rights

  • impact eligibility for, receipt of, or denial of a programme

Examples of tools that could fall within the scope of these criteria are:

  • a machine learning algorithm providing members of the public with a score to help a government department determine their eligibility for benefits (impact on decision making and public effect)

  • a chatbot on a local authority’s website interacting directly with the public which responds to individual queries and directs members of the public to appropriate content on the website (Direct interaction with the public)

Published 5 January 2023