Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard
United Kingdom · Standard · Government Digital Service
Our summary
The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard establishes a uniform method for public sector organisations to disclose information about their use of algorithmic tools and the reasoning behind their deployment. Mandatory for all government departments and certain arm's-length bodies, it requires publishing details in a complete, open, understandable and accessible format. The standard comprises a template, guidance, exemptions policy, and a repository of published records.
Written by the Index in our own words. It is not legal advice; the official text is the authority.
Inside this policy
Every section of this policy in order. Our notes summarise each one in plain language and do not quote the official text, which is the authority.
Drafted by the Index An automated summary of the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.
2 sections
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Updates to this page
The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard is a mandatory framework for government departments and arms-length bodies that provide public services or interact with the public, requiring them to disclose information about algorithmic tools and algorithm-assisted decisions in an open, understandable and accessible format. The standard consists of a template, guidance, a scope and exemptions policy, and a public repository of records, and is recommended for wider public sector adoption.
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Controls
What this policy requires, forbids, grants or penalises, one control at a time and in our own words. Each control links to the official text, which is the authority. This is not legal advice.
Drafted by the Index Drafted automatically from the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.
Themes covered 3 of 35
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Risk and scope 0 of 4
- Risk classification, not covered
- Prohibited practices, not covered
- Risk management system, not covered
- Impact assessment, not covered
Data and privacy 0 of 4
- Data governance and quality, not covered
- Data subject rights and consent, not covered
- Cross-border data transfer, not covered
- Copyright and training data, not covered
Transparency and records 1 of 4
- Labelling of synthetic content, not covered
- Technical documentation, not covered
- Record keeping and logging, not covered
Technical safeguards 0 of 4
- Human oversight, not covered
- Accuracy, robustness and cybersecurity, not covered
- Bias and non-discrimination, not covered
- Testing and evaluation, not covered
Assurance and lifecycle 0 of 4
- Conformity assessment and certification, not covered
- Registration and notification, not covered
- Incident and breach reporting, not covered
- Post-market monitoring and corrective action, not covered
Rights and protected groups 0 of 4
- Automated decision-making rights, not covered
- Children and vulnerable groups, not covered
- Biometric identification and surveillance, not covered
- Whistleblowing, complaints and redress, not covered
Roles and organisation 2 of 6
- Supply chain and provider-deployer duties, not covered
- General purpose and foundation models, not covered
- Training and AI literacy, not covered
- Innovation support and sandboxes, not covered
Enforcement and sectors 0 of 5
- Enforcement, penalties and regulators, not covered
- Sector rules: health, not covered
- Sector rules: finance and insurance, not covered
- Sector rules: employment, not covered
- Sector rules: education, not covered
The full list of controls could not be loaded, so only the first 2 are shown.
Updates to this page 2 controls
- ObligationApplies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
Government departments and arm's-length bodies delivering public services or directly interacting with the public must use the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard to publish information about their algorithmic tools and algorithm-assisted decisions.
- Applies to: Public authorityDrafted by the Index
Public sector organisations should adopt the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard beyond the mandatory scope.
Change history
No changes recorded since we began monitoring this policy.