The government needs to restore citizens' trust after the use of algorithms in the benefits affair. Citizens are also increasingly concerned about the risks of AI. Transparency, accountability and ethical conduct are crucial for citizens' trust when the government uses AI. If people doubt the security of their personal data and privacy in government, this can lead to dissatisfaction and reluctance to use digital services and share information that the government needs for policy development and decision-making.
Restoring trust
To restore citizens' trust in government, the government must be transparent about how personal data is processed and privacy is protected. The government should also show what measures are taken when using AI. Keeping an algorithm register and conducting an Impact Assessment for Human Rights (IAMA) help identify and mitigate risks and negative impacts of algorithms. By using such tools, the government shows that it is serious about safeguarding citizens' privacy and rights.
Prevention is better than cure
Maintaining trust is an ongoing process. Algorithms and AI are the next step in the digitisation of government services. Technology aside, I advocate that the government should preemptively test for general principles of good governance when developing its digital services. Just as it does for risks around information security and privacy in the form of, for example, Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA). A similar test can be applied to assess all aspects of good governance. By proactively testing, the government strengthens citizens' trust, reduces risks and prevents privacy and ethical problems.
