The Role of Government as a Provider of Data for Artificial Intelligence

Access to government data has the potential to be a catalyst for AI development. To achieve this, a multi-faceted approach that enhances data-sharing is necessary. Progressive models for data sharing are central to the promotion of responsible AI including equitable access and transparency in use of government data. As governments embrace the use of AI as the case studies in this report show, positive use cases are needed to further encourage the notion of AI for public good. Various data sharing models are emerging to enable the supply of data by governments to AI developers. These models include contracts, open data, data stewardships, and public-private partnerships. Key issues related to these models for data sharing include the legal basis for the sharing of data by governments, compliance with data processing principles such as purpose limitation and data minimisation in disclosure. Four case studies are explored in this report to understand current models of data sharing by the government with the private sector. We assess the objectives of data sharing by governments and the mechanisms for data sharing with the aim of identifying benefits, risks and cross-cutting recommendations that can advance the goal of data sharing by governments for AI development