Council adopts new AI policy

Renfrewshire Council has committed to making sure transparency is central to its use of artificial intelligence (AI) as it continues to pursue digital transformation, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.

- Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter

A call for utilisation of the technology to be "responsible and ethical" was agreed by elected members after a motion was put forward at a recent full meeting of the council.

It means the local authority will produce a six-monthly 'AI Transparency Report' for consideration at the relevant policy board. The document will detail which tools are in use, their purpose and function, assessments undertaken and any risks identified.

SNP councillor Robert Innes submitted the motion with the support of party colleague and fellow councillor Bruce MacFarlane.

He said: "This motion is about ensuring that Renfrewshire continues to lead not only in digital transformation but in ethical, responsible and transparent digital transformation.