A bold step has been taken by Tendring District Council (TDC) to embrace the future of technology with the adoption of an ethical approach to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
At a Cabinet meeting on Friday (December 20), senior advisers approved a comprehensive document on the best practice approach to AI.
This framework ensures the responsible and effective use of AI technologies, focusing on issues such as data governance, transparency, accountability and bias mitigation.
It does not commit the authority to any specific use of AI, but sets out the parameters within which it should be used as the council continues to innovate in this area – and highlights the importance of human oversight to ensure accuracy and ethical use.
Councilor Mark Stephenson, Leader of the TDC, said: “The adoption of this ethical approach to AI marks a pivotal moment for Tendring District Council.
“As we seek to harness the potential of AI to improve our services, it is crucial that we do so responsibly and ethically. This framework ensures that we remain accountable and transparent in our use of AI, which will ultimately benefit our residents and maintain their trust.
The best practices approach to AI consolidates existing policies and provides detailed guidance on the ethical use of AI, such as considerations for cybersecurity, fairness, and avoidance of misinformation.
Developed following consultations with various council departments and drawing on wider best practice set out by the Information Commissioners Office and the UK Government Civil Service, the approach also sets out some best practice and guidance to encourage staff innovation.
Adopting this approach aligns with TDC’s communications strategy for 2024-2028 and is an action point in both the strategy and an important step in the council’s priority actions for 2024-2025.
