This is our response to A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation.
Since its inception, the Open Data Institute has been committed to our mission: to work with companies and governments to build an open, trustworthy data ecosystem. As our chair, Sir Nigel Shadbolt told the Commons Science and Technology Committee in February: “Although we are talking a lot about AI, for the algorithms, their feedstock—their absolute requirement—is data.” This means that, as the Open Data Institute has argued since its creation, ‘the need to build a trustworthy data ecosystem is paramount’.
If we want to make the most of the opportunities presented by AI, while ensuring that we do all we can to mitigate the risks, we need to think about data. We need to ensure that, as much as possible, the data used is open-accessible, available and assured. We need to ensure that the data that needs to be protected is protected; that we have the right data infrastructure to do that properly; and that we have the data literacy, the right governance (including participatory data governance) and a sufficient grasp of data ethics to build public trust in data use and prevent its abuse.
To respond to this consultation, we drew upon our 11 years of work on data ecosystems.
Key elements of our response
- We agree with the UK government’s proposed approach of using cross-sector principles for regulators to apply in context so long as there is adequate funding and upskilling of regulators and policymakers
- Our key ask is adding a sixth ‘principle’ on data; a robust data infrastructure is needed to support AI, including high quality open data and transparency measures on data used
- We highlighted a need for further attention and information on: funding including for regulators; statutory powers; accountability (inc. redress and contestability); ‘central function’ support, support for regulators etc