The UK government has raised concerns about Lord Tim Clement-Jones’ proposals to increase oversight of algorithmic decision-making in public services. They argue that the issues his bill targets are already being addressed through their own data reforms and the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS).
Clement-Jones introduced his private members’ bill in September 2024, stating the existing protections for autonomous decision-making tools aren’t enough. During the second reading in December, Baroness Maggie Jones from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology highlighted that the government’s reforms aim to make ATRS mandatory for central departments, arguing this would better align with the government’s goals of fostering innovation and maintaining public trust.
However, Clement-Jones voiced skepticism about the government’s data reforms. He pointed to previous failures involving automated tools, like the issues with 2020’s A-level and GCSE grading, where many students lost university spots due to flawed algorithm decisions. He also mentioned the councils’ use of ADM systems, which assigned dubious fraud risk scores to residents, and the notorious Post Office Horizon scandal. “It’s troubling to think the government believes the ATRS, along with the amended GDPR provisions, suffices,” he said, emphasizing that his bill aims to ensure the benefits of technology while upholding democratic principles.
Baroness Jones countered that the new Data Use and Access Bill (DUAB) guarantees meaningful human oversight in decision-making. She stressed that it prevents superficial human involvement merely as a formality.
On transparency, Clement-Jones expressed alarm over the ATRS’s limited output since its 2022 launch, pointing out only six records have been published so far. The government responded that more records have been completed and will be released soon, bringing the total to 23.
Clement-Jones’ bill also proposes Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIAs), requiring public authorities to evaluate decision-making tools before deployment. This assessment would obligate them to monitor and report on the tool’s safety and impact with every update.
Viscount Camrose, a conservative peer, argued that requiring assessments before purchase could create unnecessary burdens. He insisted that the public sector needs flexibility to adapt to varied needs. Baroness Jones maintained that the ATRS already provides a comprehensive approach to safeguarding against negative outcomes and that additional legislation isn’t necessary.
Baroness Martha Lane Fox referred to Canada’s similar AIA framework, cautioning that it has created bureaucratic challenges. She emphasized the need for robust digital procurement skills within the civil service to safely embrace innovation.
Clement-Jones’ bill appears at a time when the government is keen to leverage AI for economic growth. Peter Kyle pointed out in July 2024 that AI is central to their future plans, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed it as a major opportunity for the UK, envisioning Britain as a leading AI superpower.