AI4GOV: Developing a Holistic Regulatory Framework for Trusted AI in Governance

The proposed paper introduces the Holistic Regulatory Framework (HRF), a key output of AI4GOV, designed to ensure ethical AI utilization in governance. The Horizon Europe project AI4GOV presents a pioneering initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public policy making while upholding democratic values and fundamental rights. The HRF critically evaluates AI applications across five dimensions: bias, fairness, transparency, responsibility, and interpretability. These evaluations focus on data, algorithms, and the ethical outcomes within the AI4Gov platform, emphasizing not just what can be done with digital data, but more importantly, what should be done. The AI4GOV project aligns with the European Commission’s AI package and the Coordinated Plan on AI as its legislative reference framework. Through this alignment, AI4GOV aims to examine and enhance the effectiveness of existing legislative and non-regulatory measures overseeing AI and Big Data. The HRF will be developed in accordance with the EU AI Act, setting out principles and regulations to guide AI and Big Data development within the project. This includes a holistic AI governance model and assessment tools for evaluating AI's impact on human rights and values. A significant aspect of the HRF is its comprehensive approach, which includes predictive analytics and monitoring mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness of AI and Big Data applications. The Framework is designed to cater to a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, legal bodies, policymakers, vulnerable groups, and researchers. For each group, AI4GOV provides tailored tools and services, ranging from policy planning and monitoring to legal risk mitigation, regulatory framework development, awareness, and education programs. Key results from this initiative include the establishment of a set of underpinning principles for AI and Big Data utilization, the development of an AI Ethics by Design governance model, and the creation of tools for assessing AI's impact on human rights and values. The HRF aims to foster a cohesive, future-proof approach to AI systems in public policymaking, ensuring that AI developments are aligned with societal needs and ethical standards. This paper will elaborate on the methodologies and insights gained from AI4GOV, illustrating the potential of the HRF in transforming AI governance and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancing democratic governance and protecting individual rights. Through AI4GOV, we aspire to set a precedent for responsible and ethical AI use in governance, contributing to a more equitable and transparent digital future.