The Information Commissioner’s Office Inquiry Into Algorithm and AI Misuse

As technology continues to evolve, local councils and government organisations are turning to algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to process data more efficiently. However, there have been concerns that this technology could be used to unfairly discriminate against individuals and use their personal data unlawfully. In a bid to restore the public’s confidence in how their data is being handled, the Information Commissioner’s Office has recently conducted an inquiry into this matter.

The inquiry concluded that there was no evidence of discrimination or unlawful usage of individuals’ personal data. However, the Information Commissioner’s Office has proposed certain steps that local authorities must take to ensure they are compliant with data protection legislation and that they are not using these technologies to unfairly discriminate. These steps include:

• Actively reviewing algorithms, data analytics or similar systems to ensure accuracy.
• Assessing any third parties involved in the processing of personal data algorithms, data analytics or AI.
• Regularly reviewing privacy policies and informing individuals of any changes.
• Considering a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to identify and minimise any potential risks associated with the use of algorithms, AI, and data analytics.

By taking these precautionary measures to protect individuals’ data and ensuring that it is used fairly, local authorities can help restore individuals’ faith in the use of AI and algorithms.

If you have any concerns with the protection of your data, please get in touch with our Regulatory Team by emailing Naila Hussain at nailahussain@chadlaw.co.uk.