Flintshire Sets Out AI Rules to Protect Residents’ Data
Flintshire County Council is taking significant steps to ensure the personal data of its residents is safeguarded against the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. The Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee has recommended the adoption of a comprehensive AI policy aimed at restricting the situations in which AI can be utilized by the authority.
Key Principles of the AI Policy
The policy is designed to prevent the processing of personal data through AI systems. It emphasizes that individual users are responsible for the appropriate use of AI, while the council will implement safeguards to terminate agreements in the event of serious data breaches.
According to Lisa Smith, Flintshire Council’s IT Business Services Manager, “AI is a tool like any other piece of software. We can use it to be more productive, more efficient and to improve the service we deliver to our residents.” She reassured that AI would not replace existing roles within the council, such as social workers, but rather enhance service delivery.
Permitted Uses of AI
The policy explicitly outlines the acceptable applications of AI, which include:
- Research and information gathering
- Drafting and generating text or images
- Summarizing documents or emails
- Recording, transcribing and summarizing meetings
- Data analysis
Notably, no council member or officer is permitted to input residents’ personal data into AI systems, nor will AI be employed for automating decision-making processes at any level.
Addressing Potential Risks
Chief Officer (Governance) Gareth Owens remarked on the necessity of the policy, stating, “This is intended to be a very broad policy, to cover the whole of the organization. It is a much-needed policy now.” He acknowledged that while the policy may not be perfect, establishing regulations is crucial in managing the potential risks associated with unregulated AI tools.
Future Reviews
The committee has also recommended that the Cabinet conduct biannual reviews of the policy to ensure its relevance and effectiveness as technology continues to evolve rapidly.
In summary, Flintshire County Council’s proactive measures aim to strike a balance between leveraging AI to enhance services while ensuring the protection of residents’ data.
