Overview

These six Principles for Responsible Use of AI set out the use of AI (artificial intelligence) technologies within government processes, programs and services within responsible considerations and values.

The Government of Ontario has undertaken extensive jurisdictional scans of ethical principles across the world, in particular New Zealand, the United States, the European Union and major research organizations, including Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The principles support the application of the Trustworthy AI Framework, including the Responsible Use of AI Directive and are meant to be applied throughout the lifecycle of an AI system, including the:

  • design
  • development
  • procurement
  • deployment
  • operation
  • decommissioning

The principles can be used as a model for other organizations across Ontario seeking to adopt their own internal AI policies and guidelines.

Ontario's Principles for Responsible Use of AI complement the Canadian federal principles. Ontario’s principles are tailored to support our diverse economic ecosystem needs by aligning with existing best practices, principles and frameworks. This approach references and harmonizes with known standards, principles and tools to create clarity rather than barriers for innovation.

1. AI is used to benefit the people of Ontario

The people interacting with an AI system, and those affected by its outcomes, are considered when exploring potential AI use. The unique and diverse needs of users of government programs and services that leverage AI, and those affected by the outcomes of AI use, are accounted for in the design, operation and interpretation of outcomes.

The tremendous benefits that can be realized by use of AI must be shared with the people of Ontario, while also ensuring that direct and indirect risks are mitigated and balanced with the benefits.

2. AI use is justified and proportionate, and AI systems used are reliable and valid

AI is only used where it serves a well-defined purpose, and the scope of AI use is proportionate to the problem it is trying to solve. AI use follows a problem-first, rather than technology-first, approach. Once deployed, the AI system is reliable and valid — meaning it works as intended and as expected throughout its lifecycle.

3. AI is used in a safe, secure and privacy protective way

Data privacy and security are maintained in a way that protects personal and sensitive information and minimizes potential risks and negative impacts, adhering to Ontario privacy legislation and policies. Any use or collection of personal or sensitive data is proportionate to the potential benefit of the AI use to the people of Ontario.

4. AI use is human rights affirming and non-discriminatory

AI is used in ways that respect and protect equity, human rights and fundamental freedoms and ensure fairness consistent with applicable legislation including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Community-informed context, including an understanding of potential discriminatory outcomes and their mitigations, as well as inclusive design, are the foundations of determining if and how AI is used.

5. AI use is transparent and meaningful explanations of decisions are made available

Information is provided to the public and public servants about how AI is used as part of a service or process. It’s easy to understand the outcomes, consequences and benefits of the AI use.

6. AI use is accountable and responsible

There is clear ongoing human oversight, accountability for, and maintenance of AI systems with a readily available process for the public and public servants to ask questions about AI use.