Parliamentary inquiry called for over private sector role in public sector AI

The Ada Lovelace Institute has published a new briefing paper calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the private sector's influence on government policy concerning public sector artificial intelligence (AI) procurement and use. The paper, summarising research from engagements with nearly 16,000 people, of which 400 participated in deeper qualitative studies, aims to guide policymakers in deploying AI technologies in line with public expectations.

The research identified that public perceptions of AI vary according to context, individual experiences, and demographics. A significant area of concern is the power and profit motives of technology companies involved in public services, alongside issues of transparency and regulatory oversight. As such, the public's support for AI use is conditional, requiring clear evidence of efficacy and impact. Explainability is valued above accuracy, and there is also a desire for those affected to have meaningful involvement in decision-making. Robust AI governance is deemed a prerequisite for trust, with calls for strong regulations with clear appeals and redress processes. 

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