UK pilots new rules on algorithmic transparency in public sector

New standard requires organisations to publish details of algorithmic tools used to make decisions

The UK government is to pilot new transparency obligations for public organisations that use algorithms to make important decisions.

Developed by the Cabinet Office’s Central Digital and Data Office with the government body Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, the algorithmic transparency standard will require organisations to publish a short description of the algorithmic tool in question, including how and why it is being used.