Independent audits and verification of algorithms used in third-party predictive analytics or data-fusion software utilised by government security agencies

Question:

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether Government security agencies that use third-party predictive analytics or data-fusion software conduct independent audits of the underlying algorithms; and (b) whether the Government is satisfied that it can independently verify the methodology of such software before relying on it for operational decisions.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has an AI governance framework on the development and use of AI tools. All predictive analytics and data-fusion software, including underlying algorithms from third-party vendors, are evaluated on this framework. Risk assessment and mitigation measures are applied to manage risks in use cases as well. Independent assessments and audits are performed before and after deployment of the AI application to ensure compliance.