Dr. Oldfield on Data & AI Ethics at Westminster City Council
Introduction In an age where data and AI are reshaping public services, the discussion on their ethical use is more critical than ever. Dr. Oldfield recently delivered a powerful address at the Westminster City Council, where she spoke on the crucial intersection of data, AI, and civic responsibility. This blog post explores the key insights from her speech, highlighting a vision for a more ethical and transparent use of technology in government. The Role of Data in Public Services Dr. Oldfield’s invited talk began by emphasizing the immense potential of data to improve public services. She explained how data analytics and AI can be used to optimize public transport, manage city resources more efficiently, and personalize citizen services. However, she stressed that this potential can only be realized if governments handle data with the utmost care and respect for privacy. A clear framework for data governance is essential to build and maintain public trust. Building Trust in AI-Powered Government The conversation then moved to the ethical challenges of using AI in the public sector. Dr. Oldfield highlighted that AI systems used for public services, such as welfare distribution or predictive policing, must be free from bias and must be completely