The UK government has released a new report to highlight how it is using AI to make decisions and provide quicker services to the public.

The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) records reveal that government departments are using AI to improve job adverts while the Ministry of Justice is using algorithms to better understand how people interact with the justice system.

Among the records published today, the Department for Business and Trade said that it is using an algorithmic tool to predict which companies export goods to other countries.

The government claims the tool allows department officials to make targeted decision about which companies they reach out and offer help to, enabling high potential exporting businesses to reach more international customers quickly.

Before the tool was put in place, the government said its officials had to use more manual methods to sift through data on the over five million companies registered on Companies House to target support, which meant that the government missed opportunities to support businesses.

The government added it is setting clear terms for the tools algorithmic transparency records will cover, so people know how the government is making use of AI.

It will publish a record for any algorithmic tool that interacts directly with citizens or significantly influences decisions made about people, unless a narrow set of exemptions apply such as national security.

Additionally, records will be published for tools once they are being piloted publicly or are live and running.

“Technology has huge potential to transform public services for the better, we will put it to use to cut backlogs, save money and improve outcomes for citizens across the country,” said science secretary Peter Kyle. “Transparency in how and why the public sector is using algorithmic tools is crucial to ensure that they are trusted and effective which is why we will continue to take bold steps like releasing these records to make sure everyone is clear on how we are applying and trialling technology as we use it to bring public services back from the brink.”

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