Policy briefing - October 2023 - Foundation models in the public sector

There is some optimism in policy, the public sector and industry about the potential for these models to enhance public services in the context of budgetary restraints and growing user needs. [...] What are foundation models? Foundation models are a form of AI system designed for a wide range of possible applications, with the capability to complete a range of distinct tasks, including translating and summarising text, generating a rough first draft of a report from a set of notes, or responding to a query from a member of the public with text and images. [...] Foundation models in the public sector 5 Deploying foundation models in the public sector If foundation models are judged to be the most appropriate option for addressing a particular problem, there are options that public-sector organisations can choose between in order to deploy them. [...] Foundation models in the public sector 6 Risks of using foundation models in the public sector There are numerous risks and potential harms common to any use of algorithmic systems.11 Researchers at DeepMind have identified six broad categories of risk: • Discrimination, hate speech and exclusion arising from model outputs producing discriminatory and exclusionary content. [...] Monitoring and evaluation should continue beyond the initial development and procurement of foundation model applications, incorporating assessment of real-life data and feedback from the operation of the applications.20 Continuing to implement the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard21 across the public sector.