Deputy-Ombudsman to investigate use of artificial intelligence in official duties

Deputy-Ombudsman Susanna Lindroos-Hovinheimo has decided to investigate on her own initiative how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in the official duties of municipalities.

The issue attracted public attention after a case in which a municipality had replaced two directors with the use of AI had been reported in the media. The case raises questions about how AI can be used in public administration and how the implementation of fundamental rights, good governance and liability for acts in office can be ensured when AI is utilised.

The Deputy-Ombudsman finds it interesting that efforts are being made to take advantage of AI in new ways in the activities of the authorities. In the own initiative, investigations will be conducted on what kind of tasks have been given to AI, how the lawfulness of decision-making and appropriate processing are guaranteed, and how the use of AI affects the liabilities of public officials.

The use of AI is currently being considered for wider use in the activities of the authorities. AI may offer new opportunities for the provision of public services and improving the efficiency of public administration, but its use also involves significant legal questions.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman also monitors the legality of the activities of the authorities when they use AI. In his activities, he focuses on promoting fundamental and human rights. Thus the Ombudsman also monitors the deployment of AI systems and their impacts on the realisation of fundamental rights and good governance more generally. The own-initiative matter that has now been filed provides an opportunity to assess legal issues related to the use of AI through a concrete practical example.