AI in Local Government

Ibrahim Hasan looks at the legal issues that must be navigated around the use of AI in local government.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising many sectors, and local government is no exception. Councils are increasingly integrating AI to enhance service delivery, optimise resource management, and engage with citizens. AI Use cases include: 

• Infrastructure maintenance and management: Blackpool Council uses AI for road maintenance through Project Amber; employing AI-powered satellite imagery to detect road damage and potholes.  

• Public engagement: Newham Council uses Chatbot Max, a multilingual chatbot, to assist residents with parking permits and penalty charge queries. The council says that in six months, the chatbot handled over 10,000 questions, saved 84 hours in call time, and generated £40,000 in savings.  

• Crime prevention and detection: Wolverhampton Council has installed AI powered CCTV cameras to crack down on fly-tippers. The cameras have 360 degree vision and can recognise when someone is fly-tipping, sending an immediate report to the council. 

• Predictive analytics for social services: In 2018 Hackney Council trialled the Early Help Predictive System . By analysing data on debt, housing, unemployment, school attendance, and domestic violence, the AI system profiled families to determine their need for intervention. Although this pilot programme was dropped a year later, there are many other AI tools which aim to help cash strapped councils speed up social work. One such tool is Magic Notes which records social work meetings and emails the social worker a transcript, summary and suggested actions for inclusion in case notes. 

Expect many more AI use cases soon, as the public sector is made to give truth to the Prime Minister’s recent speech in which he pledged that the Government will use AI’s power to ”turbocharge” the economy and improve public services. 

Legal considerations  

While AI offers numerous benefits, several legal issues have to be navigated to ensure responsible and lawful use. These include: 

• Data protection and privacy:Where personal data is involved training or deploying AI models, of course the GDPR applies. The transparency provisions and the requirement for a legal basis are of particular importance. In 2022, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a fine of more than £7.5 million to Clearview AI for GDPR breaches. This related to the way the company compiled its online database containing 20 billion images of people’s faces and data scraped from the internet.  The company did manage to successfully appealthe fine but the ICO, and other GDPR regulators in the EU, have issued clear warnings to AI companies to ensure they comply with GDPR. 
• Transparency and explainability: The decision-making processes of AI systems can be opaque. Clear information about how AI systems operate and make decisions should be provided. The London Borough of Camden has co-created a Data Charterwith residents to ensure clarity and accessibility regarding data use, including AI applications. They produced accessible communications and animated explainers to demystify AI processes for the public.  
• Bias and discrimination: AI systems trained on biased data can perpetuate existing inequalities. Last year, a black Uber Eats driverreceived a payout after “racially discriminatory” facial-recognition checks prevented him accessing the app to secure work. Councils must be vigilant in auditing AI algorithms to detect and mitigate biases. This involves regular assessments and adjustments to ensure AI applications promote fairness and equality. 
• Intellectual property and copyright: The use of AI, especially Generative AI applications like ChatGPT, may involve the use of copyrighted materials, raising intellectual property concerns. In December, the Government launched a consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence. 
• Accountability and liability: Determining liability when AI systems cause harm is a complex legal issue. Clear accountability frameworks must be established ensuring that there is always human oversight of AI decisions. This includes defining who is responsible for AI-driven actions and implementing mechanisms for redress in cases of error. 
• Regulatory compliance: There is still no sign of an AI Bill which was mentioned in the King’s Speech. However there is plenty of AI guidance for the public sector. The recently published AI Playbook for the UK Governmentupdates and expands on the Generative AI Framework for HMG. It aims to “help government departments and public sector organisations harness the power of a wider range of AI technologies safely, effectively, and responsibly.”  

The adoption of AI in local government presents a unique challenge especially for compliance professionals. By developing a deeper understanding of AI, they can play a leading role in addressing the legal and ethical dilemmas posed by emerging AI technologies as well as position themselves as forward-thinking leaders who can bridge the gap between law, ethics, and technology.

Ibrahim Hasan is a solicitor and director of Act Now Training.

Act Now recently launched the AI Governance Practitioner Certificate. This course is designed to equip compliance professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate this transformative technology while upholding the highest standards of data protection and information governance.   

Act Now is registering interest in this course which, subject to demand, will run in July, October and November. Register your interest now (no obligation).