Which algorithmic tools need an ATRS record?

Answered

Publish a record for tools that significantly influence a decision-making process with public effect, or that interact directly with the public. Significant influence includes assisting, supplementing or fully automating a decision — for example triaging or scoring. It is aimed at operational decisions about people, organisations or groups, not analytical models used only for broad policy-making. Even where a tool is out of strict scope, the ethics framework recommends publishing a record.

From the guidance

Primary (how) ATRS: Mandatory scope and exemptions policy

The mandatory requirement to publish an ATRS record applies to algorithmic tools that either: have a significant influence on a decision-making process with public effect, or directly interact with the general public.

Section: 4.2 For which tools must I complete an algorithmic transparency record?

Read this in ATRS: Mandatory scope and exemptions policy (opens in new tab)

Secondary (normative) ATRS: Mandatory scope and exemptions policy

‘Significant influence’ includes where an algorithmic tool meaningfully assists, supplements, or fully automates a decision-making process. This could be a tool that plays a triaging or scoring function within a wider process.

Section: 4.2 For which tools must I complete an algorithmic transparency record?

Read this in ATRS: Mandatory scope and exemptions policy (opens in new tab)

Secondary (normative) ATRS: Mandatory scope and exemptions policy

Note that this is intended to apply to situations where an algorithmic tool is influencing specific operational decisions about individuals, organisations or groups, not where a tool is an analytical model supporting broad government policy-making.

Section: 4.2 For which tools must I complete an algorithmic transparency record?

Read this in ATRS: Mandatory scope and exemptions policy (opens in new tab)

Secondary (normative) Data and AI Ethics Framework

Even where a tool does not strictly fall within scope of the ATRS, we recommend publishing an ATRS record.

Section: Using the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard

Read this in Data and AI Ethics Framework (opens in new tab)

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