Decision details

To consider the adoption of the ESCC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy as the Council’s dedicated framework for managing AI use. If adopted the policy would replace the previous reliance on the Data Protection and Information Security policy for AI governance.

48.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

48.2     It was agreed to include language within the policy at Appendix 1 of the report to reference the environmental impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), reflecting East Sussex County Council’s climate commitments.

48.3     It was agreed to add the words ‘business data that is not in the public domain’ to the following sentence within the Publicly available AI services section of the policy at Appendix 1 of the report: ‘You must not input business data into publicly available AI services.’

DECISIONS

48.4     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Approve the East Sussex County Council Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy as the Council’s dedicated framework for the use of AI;

2) Note that this policy supersedes the previous approach of relying solely on the Data Protection and Information Security policy for AI governance; and

3) Endorse the annual review of the AI Policy by the Corporate Digital Board to ensure ongoing alignment with technological and regulatory developments.

REASON

48.5     The East Sussex County Council AI Policy provides a robust, future-proof framework for the responsible use of AI. It addresses the limitations of the previous approach and positions the Council to harness the benefits of AI while managing associated risks.