New AI guidelines for public service
Importantly, the Department says the guidelines aim to enhance public trust in how the Government uses AI.
The guidelines include that systems must have robust policies in place to protect personal data and highlight the need for the public service to be transparent and upfront with end-users when AI systems are being used. In this regard, the framework advises against the use of free generative AI (GenAI) models such as the free ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
It also advises that end-users be notified when they are interacting with an AI system (e.g. a chatbot) or where an output has been generated by an AI system, and that public sector bodies should undertake comprehensive bias detection and implement mitigation strategies where required.
A range of resources designed to support the adoption of AI have been developed, including clear information on the Government’s Principles for Responsible AI, a Decision Framework for evaluating the potential use of AI, a Responsible AI Canvas Tool to be used at the planning stage, and the AI Lifecycle Guidance tool.
We will put these links into the PRII AI resources page, and don't forget to read the PRII Guidelines on the use of AI in PR.
