September 23, 2021
3 mins read

London Launches Emerging Tech Charter

The Charter will cover technology such as driverless cars, facial recognition software, drones, sensor networks, robotics etc., reports Asian Lite News

As part of London Tech Week, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on Wednesday laid out plans to simplify how technology that relies on data is used by public services and in the public realm.

London’s Emerging Technology Charter, the first of its kind in any UK city, is a set of practical and ethical guidelines focussed on openness, digital rights, use of data and sustainability of technology which is aimed at setting common expectations to tech buyers and makers to innovate successfully.

It will give Londoners and their elected representatives a clear framework to ask questions about the technologies proposed or deployed in London. It will also establish enhanced transparency for Londoners on products and services that data protection law considers potentially high risk to privacy. 

The Charter will cover technology such as driverless cars, facial recognition software, drones, sensor networks, robotics, mobility services, augmented and virtual reality, and automated and algorithmic decision-making. 

 The Charter is voluntary, but local government and public services, makers, innovators, technologists, elected representatives and interested Londoners are all encouraged to adopt it to improve how technology is implemented in the capital. 

The Mayor launched his Charter speaking at London Tech Week’s Future of Work summit, where he also celebrated London as a leading global tech city and reaffirmed his commitment to boost the city’s clusters of exciting and game-changing tech companies that call London home.

“London is and always will be open to business and innovation. In the face of Brexit and the global pandemic, our capital has proven itself to be one of the best global cities for tech,” Sadiq Khan said. 

“The tech sector in London has a huge role to play in rebuilding a fairer city for everyone as we recover from the pandemic. My new Emerging Tech Charter will play a significant part in that recovery, making sure both Londoners and tech businesses are using data efficiently to get the most out of technological innovation,” he added.

The Emerging Tech Charter will establish a register of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), which are legally required in any data processing with a high risk to  individuals’ privacy.

“We want to foster a trustworthy environment for innovation to flourish, and to do so responsibly.,” said Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer for London. “When a new technology is deployed it’s not easy for Londoners to find out about how privacy risks have been identified and managed.”

“Our principles create a central register of assessments organisations are required to carry out by law.  We think it’s important for transparency and good practice that these are published in one place and open to scrutiny,” Blackwell added.

Rachel Coldicutt, technology strategist specialising in ethics, regulation and the social impacts of technology, said: “I’m so proud to be a Londoner and support this leadership from the Chief Digital Officer and the Mayor to make sure emerging technology in our city is open, trustworthy, inclusive, and sustainable – exactly how it should be.”

“It’s so important that people who live and work in London have this framework to help understand more about data and technology, and it’s particularly great to see the register of Data Impact Protection Assessments – a real step forward for London as a leader in responsible, rights-respecting technology.”    

ALSO READ –Indian artistes, London Mozart Players to perform at ‘Peace and Harmony’ concert

READ MORE-Sadiq launches new ‘London Refugee Response’ fund

Previous Story

Imran focuses on Afghanistan as soaring inflation bites Pakistan

Next Story

UK-UAE bonhomie

Latest from -Top News

Qatar: No Set Deadline for Gaza Talks

A new round of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel resumed on July 6 in Doha amid international efforts to end the conflict that has devastated Gaza…reports Asian Lite News Indirect talks

Trump: ‘Zelenskiy Shouldn’t Target Moscow’

When asked whether the United States would send long-range missiles to Ukraine, Trump replied, “No, we’re not looking to do that.”…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump denied encouraging Ukraine to

India to Aid Ray Home Restoration in Bangladesh

India noted that the property, currently owned by the Government of Bangladesh, “is in a state of disrepair”….reports Asian Lite News The Government of India has expressed deep regret over the ongoing

Sri Lanka, India Deepen Ties

The delegation, including 24 leaders from across 14 political parties of Sri Lanka, began their two-week visit to India on Wednesday….reports Asian Lite News A 24-member Sri Lankan delegation met Foreign Secretary

Jaishankar Flags Pahalgam Attack at SCO Meet

In his address, EAM Jaishankar spotlighted that the meeting is taking place at a time of “considerable disorder” in the international system….reports Asian Lite News Highlighting the dastardly April 22 terrorist attack
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK announces visa concessions for Ukrainians

All visa routes remain under constant review and any changes

Train drivers accept 15% pay rise, end long-running dispute

ASLEF had accused the previous Conservative government of “sitting on