Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Acknowledged
Inadequate access to good-quality data impedes government's AI implementation efforts.
Conclusion
Access to good–quality data was identified as a barrier to implementing AI by 62% of the 87 government bodies responding to the NAO’s survey.16 We received written evidence expressing a range of views on this topic, illustrating the complexity of the issue and the challenge government has in getting it right. For example, the Reform Think Tank raised concerns about a risk averse attitude to data sharing in government which it felt must change if government is to realise the benefits of AI.17 SAS Institute also highlighted low levels of data sharing between the public and private sectors as a missed opportunity for innovation.18 However, we also received evidence from Professor Suresh Renukappa and colleagues that highlighted public concerns about sharing sensitive data with the private sector for the development of AI tools, and stressed the importance of citizens being kept informed of how their data is used.19 10 Q 51 11 Qq 46, 50 12 Q 51 13 HC 643 Q80 14 Q 46 15 Q 47 16 C&AG’s Report, para 3.13 17 UAIG0028 18 UAIG0035 19 UAIG0022 11
Government Response Summary
DSIT will set out details of its programme of work to address barriers to data sharing in the upcoming Government Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap, including work to improve cross-government data management practices with a focus on data quality, as well as how this work will support successful realization of the National Data Library.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 1.8 DSIT will set out details of its programme of work to address barriers to data sharing in the upcoming Government Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap, including work to improve cross-government data management practices with a focus on data quality, as well as how this work will support successful realisation of the National Data Library.