Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the safety, reliability and accountability of AI systems deployed by public services; and what steps they are taking to ensure that appropriate safeguards, testing standards and oversight mechanisms are in place.

The Government recognises that the safe, reliable and accountable use of artificial intelligence is important to maintaining public trust in public services.

Departments deploying AI systems are expected to consider risks and impacts throughout the system lifecycle, including during design, development, deployment and operation. This includes compliance with safety, transparency, accountability, data protection rules and regulations.

The Government has published guidance to support this, including the Data and AI Ethics Framework, the AI Playbook for Government and the AI Knowledge Hub, which together provide advice on governance, risk management, testing and oversight.

In addition, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has published guidance on AI assurance, and a cross‑government AI Testing and Assurance Framework supports proportionate testing, evaluation and ongoing monitoring.

AI‑enabled services are also expected to meet the GOV.UK Service Standard, including demonstrating that they are safe, secure, reliable and well‑governed.