The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) requires public bodies to consider equality from the start when implementing artificial intelligence (AI). This duty applies to both existing AI systems and those being developed or used on behalf of public bodies.

The general duty, applicable to all public authorities, focuses on eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between people with and without protected characteristics. Specific duties, differing across England, Scotland, and Wales, aim to improve the performance of the general duty, with relevance to AI in areas like equality impact assessment and procurement.

These duties ensure that AI applications in public sectors align with equality objectives and address the risk of indirect discrimination, like in grant allocation or healthcare services, and foster good relations, such as in policing.

The following presentation discusses how AI can be aligned with meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty, mindful of the risks associated with AI and potential for increasing inequality, impacting privacy, discrimination and human rights.

Learn more about how AI can meet the Public Sector Equality Duty, by watching the full webinar: AI: Meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty – YouTube