Calls for council AI use to be transparent

Renfrewshire Council will be urged to make transparency a central focus of its use of artificial intelligence (AI) at a summit next week.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

A call for utilisation of the technology to be “responsible and ethical” will be heard as a motion is put forward at next Thursday's full council meeting.

If the text is agreed, the local authority will produce a six-monthly ‘AI Transparency Report’ for consideration at the relevant policy board.

The document would detail which tools are in use, their purpose and function, assessments undertaken and any risks identified.

The motion has been submitted by the SNP councillor Robert Innes and seconded by his party colleague, Councillor Bruce MacFarlane.

It states: “Council acknowledges the successful introduction of the award-winning Millie, Renfrewshire Council's AI-powered customer support system, and that it has improved access to services, reduced waiting times and supported staff by handling routine enquiries.

“It demonstrates our commitment to digital innovation and notes that Renfrewshire is ahead of many Scottish local authorities in adopting practical, resident-focused AI tools.