On September 30, 2020, the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) held a workshop on access to information on the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector.

The purpose of the meeting was to inform the representatives of public institutions about various examples of the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector, to identify cases of th use of such systems in Georgia and to show the importance of access to public data on this issue.

IDFI plans to study the practice and transparency standards regarding the use of artificial intelligence by public institutions. For this, the Institute sent public information requests to various public agencies. Through this meeting, public officials learned about the purpose of the study, the methodology, the main questions under the submitted FOI request, and international examples of the use of artificial intelligence.

The meeting was opened by Levan Avalishvili, Program Director of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI). The introductory remarks were followed by the presentation on the basics of artificial intelligence and the practice of its use in the public sector, conducted by the project expert, Nata Goderdzishvili. Finally, Teona Turashvili, Head of Media, Internet and Innovation, spoke about the activities planned in the scope of the project.

The workshop concluded with a discussion regarding examples and significance of artificial intelligence systems currently developed in various public agencies.

The meeting was organized by IDFI in frames of the project - "Promoting Greater Transparency and Ethical Standards in the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)", financially supported by the International Center for Non-for-profit Law, Inc. (ICNL). The  initiative aims to promote the development and implementation of greater transparency and ethical standards in the use of artificial intelligence by public agencies.