Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Accepted
Paragraph: 110
Public involvement in personal data use decisions crucial; engagement risks declining with new data.
Conclusion
It is crucial that members of the public are involved in making decisions about how the UK chooses to use personal data in the development of its public evidence base. Traditionally, statisticians have engaged with members of the public about the use of their data in the conduct of surveys, but as officials embrace new sources of data there is a risk that this important dialogue falls away.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the importance of public involvement, stating that the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit already conducts an annual survey to track public opinions on data-driven technology, with the next wave due in December 2024.
Paragraph Reference:
110
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government accepts the Committee’s recommendation. Since 2021, the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit (formerly the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation) within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has conducted a survey to track public opinions towards data-driven technology and artificial intelligence. The annual survey, the fourth wave of which is due to be published in December 2024, provides insight into where citizens see the greatest value in data use, where they see the greatest risks, levels of trust in institutions to use data, and preferences for data sharing. Evidence from the tracker survey, alongside other qualitative and quantitative research conducted by the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit, supports policymakers to use data in a way that aligns with public values.