Recommendation 11

67% of government bodies responding to the NAO’s survey said that support from the centre of government in fostering public trust in AI was very important.23 Written evidence we received from a wide range of stakeholders emphasised the vital importance of public trust. For example, the Ada Lovelace Institute told us expanding the use of AI in the public sector without maintaining public trust and confidence could increase the risk of a public backlash or people withdrawing consent for the data to be used.24 The Local Government Association also raised concerns at survey findings that show low levels of public trust in how government uses the personal data of citizens.25 Transparency and openness were emphasised in the written evidence we received as important ways in which government can build trust, through meaningful public engagement and transparent reporting on AI use and evaluation.26