Assuring AI: UK Business Study

DG Cities and YouGov conducted a study to explore UK businesses’ understanding of AI assurance. This study is being undertaken by DG Cities for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation - part of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

The government recognises the importance of AI Assurance in ensuring the responsible development and use of AI technologies. The AI Regulation White Paper outlined a pro-innovation, proportionate, and adaptable approach to AI regulation, emphasising the need for trustworthy AI that is safe, reliable, fair, accountable, and explainable.

About the study

This study is being undertaken by DG Cities for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation to understand how AI Assurance terminology and techniques are being used by UK businesses. The work will help to ensure that a common language is developed that supports businesses to adopt and use AI safely.

What is AI assurance?

To support the development of trustworthy AI, the UK government has published a Portfolio of AI Assurance Techniques, which outlines a range of tools and methods for assessing and improving the trustworthiness of AI systems. These techniques cover a wide range of aspects, including data assurance, compliance audit, formal verification, performance testing, certification, risk assessment, impact assessment, and impact evaluation.