Introduction
The rapid evolution of AI systems, tools [3], and products presents both risks and opportunities, particularly in government commercial activities [3]. This necessitates careful management of AI-related risks and emphasizes the importance of legal, compliance [1], and data protection considerations in the development and deployment of AI systems [1].
Description
AI systems [1] [2] [3], tools [3], and products are rapidly evolving [3], presenting increased risks and opportunities for their adoption [3], particularly within government commercial activities [3]. The updated Procurement Policy Note (PPN) applies to all central government departments and related bodies [3], emphasizing the need for careful management of AI-related risks and the importance of engaging legal, compliance [1], and data protection experts early in the development and deployment of AI systems to address legal and ethical considerations [1].
The AI Playbook provides updated guidance for the public sector on the responsible development and deployment of AI systems [2], highlighting the significance of understanding AI capabilities and mitigating associated risks [2]. It outlines essential steps for building AI solutions [2], including procurement strategies such as purchasing off-the-shelf products [2], integrating AI components [2], outsourcing development [2], or collaborating with suppliers [2]. Generative AI [3], a subset of AI focused on creating new data [3], is also emphasized, with guidance from the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) for its safe and secure use in government [3]. The Generative AI Framework outlines ten core principles for its application in public sector organizations [3], building on five guiding principles for AI development [3]. Organizations are encouraged to document their requirements when procuring AI products and services, engage with subject matter experts [1], and consider ethical implications [1], ensuring compliance with procurement legislation such as the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023 [1].
The Office for Artificial Intelligence (OAI) offers advice on managing AI projects [3], while the Equality and Human Rights Commission provides guidance on procuring and adapting AI for workplace services [3]. Additional resources are available for public sector organizations to ensure responsible data use in policy planning and implementation [3]. Data protection is a critical focus [1], as AI systems often process personal data; organizations must ensure compliance with data protection legislation [1], implement safeguards to protect personal data [1], and minimize privacy intrusion risks from the outset [1].
Training resources related to AI are accessible through the Government Campus and Civil Service Learning [3]. Contracting authorities are encouraged to include disclosure questions in Invitations to Tender to ascertain suppliers’ use of AI in their responses [3], ensuring that these questions do not lead to discrimination against specific suppliers [3]. While AI tools can enhance bid writing efficiency [3], they also pose risks of misleading information [3]. Suppliers are prompted to disclose any use of AI or machine learning tools in their tender submissions [3], detailing instances where these technologies have contributed to generating content or supporting responses [3].
The guidance stresses the need for secure AI services that are resilient to cyber threats [1], adhering to the Secure by Design principles and the government’s Cyber Security Standard [1]. Continuous evaluation and testing of AI systems are necessary to ensure they are safe [1], secure [1] [3], and robust [1]. Organizations are encouraged to establish accountability mechanisms, defining roles and responsibilities across the AI project life cycle [1], and to implement processes for contestability and redress to address potential harms [1].
Transparency and explainability are emphasized as vital components of AI systems [1], particularly in decision-making processes that impact individuals [1]. Organizations are urged to provide clear information about AI usage and to ensure that outputs are fair and non-discriminatory [1], complying with human rights laws and the Equality Act 2010 [1]. Legal considerations surrounding AI include data protection [1], contractual issues [2], intellectual property rights [1] [2], equality concerns [2], and adherence to public law principles [2]. Organizations are advised to seek legal counsel to navigate these complexities and ensure compliance with existing legislation [1], including conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) to identify and mitigate risks associated with personal data processing [1].
Conclusion
This comprehensive framework guides the responsible development [1], deployment [1] [2], and use of AI in the public sector [1]. It emphasizes the need for legal compliance [1], ethical considerations [1] [2], and stakeholder engagement throughout the AI life cycle [1]. The framework reflects the Government Digital Service’s commitment to prioritizing AI safety [2], ensuring that AI systems are secure, transparent [1], and aligned with public sector values and regulations.
References
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-playbook-for-the-uk-government/artificial-intelligence-playbook-for-the-uk-government-html
[2] https://www.twobirds.com/en/insights/2025/uk/an-ai-playbook-for-the-uk-government-has-been-released-by-the-uk-government-digital-service
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ppn-017-improving-transparency-of-ai-use-in-procurement/ppn-017-improving-transparency-of-ai-use-in-procurement-html
