The CDEI becomes the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit

The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) is changing its name to the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit (RTAU). 

The new name is a move to better highlight the organisation’s role in developing tools and techniques that enable responsible adoption of AI in the private and public sectors; supporting the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). 

The RTAU will continue to promote and support responsible innovation by developing tools that give organisations confidence that AI and data-driven tech work can be trusted. 

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan explained the changes in a statement to Parliament, explaining that RTAU provides a more accurate reflection of its mission in developing tools and techniques for the responsible adoption of AI.

The name change is a recognition of AI becoming a more central focus for DSIT and is a response to the most recent consultation on the AI regulation white paper. It builds on the proposals set out in the March 2023 white paper to develop a pro-innovation regulatory framework for AI. 

The paper includes a plan to make the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard a requirement for central government teams. The Cabinet Office’s Central Digital and Data Office developed the algorithmic transparency standard in partnership with RTA to help to promote public trust around AI.

DSIT has also announced over £100 million in funding to support research and innovation in AI and develop the skills of regulators in the field, which will include a research hub for healthcare and provide a more agile approach to regulation.