Information commissioners and ombudsmen look to the future: embracing innovation and strengthening independence

Summary:

Information commissioners and ombudsmen from Australia and New Zealand recently met in Melbourne to discuss key issues in access to information laws in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The meeting explored the public sector's adoption of AI in business operations and service delivery, ensuring access to information laws can regulate AI technologies and protect information, privacy, and human rights. Participants emphasized the importance of preserving independence and funding for information commissioners and ombudsmen to oversee public access to government information. The communique calls for modernizing access to information laws to be technology-neutral, fit for purpose, and protect public information rights.