Updated 28 February 2020
Algorithms are an increasingly large part of everyday life in New Zealand. They have an essential role to play in supporting the delivery of government services to people in New Zealand and in ensuring that government policies are well-targeted and achieve their aims.
The government must ensure that data ethics are embedded in its work, and always keep in mind the people and communities being served by these tools.
The Government Chief Data Steward is leading work to improve government algorithm transparency and accountability, to help New Zealanders have confidence in how the government uses algorithms.
Video: transparency and accountability of government algorithms
The Minister of Statistics has launched a draft Algorithm charter that commits government agencies to improving transparency and accountability in their use of algorithms over the next five years. This is a response to the recommendations from the Algorithm assessment report in 2018.
Draft algorithm charter [PDF 255 KB]
Draft algorithm charter [HTML]
Driving transparency, ethics and accountability in government use of algorithms - press release from Hon. James Shaw.
Public consultation on the draft Algorithm charter closed on 31 December 2019. Thank you to those who provided feedback. A summary of submissions is now available. Updates about the draft charter will be published here in due course. If you have any questions please email us at datalead@stats.govt.nz.
Submissions summary: draft algorithm charter [HTML]
Submissions summary: draft algorithm charter [PDF 225 KB]
Algorithms are the automatic decision-making processes used by computer programmes to identify patterns in data. They have an essential role in supporting the services government provides, and help deliver new, innovative, and well-targeted policies for New Zealanders.
In 2018 the New Zealand government undertook a review of how government agencies use algorithms to improve the lives of New Zealanders. The Algorithm assessment report aimed to ensure New Zealanders are informed about the use of government algorithms and the checks and balances that exist to manage their use.
The report drew on the Principles for safe and effective use of data and analytics developed by the Privacy Commissioner and the Government Chief Data Steward and made recommendations to improve transparency and accountability in government algorithm use.
Principles for safe and effective use of data and analytics
More work we are leading to respond to the recommendations from the Algorithm assessment report includes:
Responding to the algorithm assessment [PDF 204 KB]