Guidance

Data and AI Ethics Framework

Guidance for public sector organisations on how to use data and data-driven technologies responsibly.

• From: Government Digital Service
• Published: 13 June 2018
• Last updated: 18 December 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 18 December 2025

     Retitled as the Data and AI Ethics Framework to reflect the expanded scope covering AI and algorithmic technologies. Added 4 new principles. Aligned the framework more closely with other government resources and added a self-assessment tool.

  2. 16 September 2020

     Replaced the 2018 Data Ethics Framework with the 2020 version. The 2020 Data Ethics Framework consists of 3 overarching principles (transparency, accountability, fairness) and 5 specific actions that will help teams improve ethical standards in their work.

  3. 30 August 2018

     PDF version of the Data Ethics Framework added.

  4. 13 June 2018

     First published.

Documents

Data and AI Ethics Framework

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Data and AI Ethics Self-Assessment Tool

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Details

The Data and AI Ethics Framework sets out principles and activities to guide the responsible development, procurement and use of data and AI in the public sector. 

The framework is mainly written for people who work in government and other public sector organisations. For example, people who are designing, building, maintaining, using or updating projects that use data and AI. It will help public servants understand ethical considerations and how to address these in their work.

Any team working on an AI or data-driven technology project should also use the Data and AI Ethics Self-Assessment Tool. The tool will help teams capture information, and share learnings, challenges and progress with colleagues.