The Responsible Technology Adoption (RTA) Unit has served as a hub for the government’s work on the responsible use of technology in both the public sector and the economy since it was established in 2018 as the Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation. It collaborates closely with a variety of teams within the government and outside of it. Now that we have set up the expanded Government Digital Service (GDS) and the AI Opportunities Unit within DSIT, the work of RTA will be integrated into these functions. This blog will no longer be updated as a result. RTA’s key areas (and associated team members) are now embedded across DSIT as follows:
In addition to closely related work from the former Central Digital & Data Office (CDDO) data ethics team, public sector-facing work on responsible use of AI and data, algorithmic transparency, and privacy-enhancing technologies joins the Government Digital Service, which has been expanded. Broader economy-facing initiatives on the AI Assurance ecosystem and the Manchester Prize move to form part of the newly established AI Opportunities Unit.
Public attitudes and insights team move to the Digital Inclusion team within DSIT.
These changes are intended to strengthen DSIT’s focus on all aspects of responsible technology adoption, ethics and assurance by deploying specialists close to work to drive adoption of AI and digital technologies.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with us since the inception of this work under the former Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation in 2018. We will continue this department-wide engagement and shortly provide additional information regarding the Responsible AI Advisory Panel that will be established by the new GDS. Where to Look for More Details You can read more on the expanded Government Digital Service (GDS) which unifies the work of multiple units, including some of RTA’s, in the blueprint for modern digital government.
See also government’s new plan to leverage technology to streamline public services, eliminate delays and reduce costs.
You can also find information on previous work on the Responsible AI Toolkit, a toolkit for practitioners to support the responsible use of AI systems.
Follow DSIT’s work on LinkedIn and the GOV.UK page for updates.
