VW Foundation supports project to develop AI transparency register

The rapid deployment of AI-based systems in public administration raises relevant ethical and legal issues regarding the protection of individual human rights and autonomy, as well as the integrity of democratic societies and constitutionality as a whole. It is therefore very good to know that the VW Foundation is funding the project 'AI used by the state: Safeguarding autonomy and human rights with transparency to the general public and support for public servants', proposed by Research Associate Dr Jonas Botta, with €179,800.

Together with civil society partners AlgorithmWatch  and NExT e.V.- Netzwerk: Experten für die digitale Transformation der Verwaltung - Experts in the digital transformation of the administration (in German only), Dr Botta will develop a sustainable framework for an AI Transparency Register (AI-TR) for public administration and legal requirements for its implementation during the one-year funding period. Based on an impact assessment, the AI-TR will provide information on the essential characteristics of AI systems. This will not only benefit civil society, but also public administration, as it will provide crucial information that is currently lacking.

Overview of all projects funded by the VW Foundation (in German only).