Asked by: Andrew Murrison (Conservative - South West Wiltshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, which (a) generative AI or (b) large language models are in use in the public sector; and whether these models were (i) developed internally and (ii) are commercially available.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
There are a number of Generative AI and LLM models used across HMG. The Government publishes information on the use of these in the public sector through the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard, available on GOV.UK. These records show that departments use a mixture of in-house and commercial solutions, including tools built on foundational models. Use cases range from operational support to decision-making aids, and are subject to appropriate oversight and assurance processes
Asked by: Andrew Murrison (Conservative - South West Wiltshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential use of (a) AI and (b) large language models in the public sector; and whether there are any pilots currently underway.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Cabinet Office on behalf of government has assessed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) across the Civil Service, aiming to identify areas offering the highest value and impact. A number of pilot projects are underway across multiple departments. Pilots are currently underway for a range of tools investigating the potential impact on productivity and employee satisfaction, trials will be published once analysis has been completed.
Asked by: Andrew Murrison (Conservative - South West Wiltshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what guidance his Department has issued to public sector organisations on storing data generated by (a) AI and (b) large language models.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government Digital Service in DSIT has issued an AI playbook (available on gov.uk) which gives departments advice on governing their use of AI, including large language models (LLMs). The ‘Data Protection and Privacy’ section in the AI playbook sets out data protection principles relevant to the use of AI, including ‘storage limitation’.
The use of AI and Large Language Models for government business engages the department’s record’s management responsibilities and will be managed in accordance with the Code of Practice on the management of records issued under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Whether such information is retained and the period for which it is retained will vary depending on the technology used.
Asked by: Andrew Murrison (Conservative - South West Wiltshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether National Cyber Security Centre guidelines are used to assess the potential impact of AI on the public sector.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance is a key resource used by the Government when assessing the potential impact of AI on government and the broader public sector. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Cabinet Office incorporate NCSC guidance and actively engage with their subject matter experts when developing policy and guidance, including the AI Playbook.