The project “Upholding equality and non-discrimination by equality bodies regarding the use of artificial intelligence in public administrations” is concluded. Over past two years it has delivered practical tools, strengthened capacities and enhanced cooperation to support the effective protection of equality and non-discrimination in the context of AI. The project was co-funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission and the equality bodies Unia (Belgium), Non-Discrimination Ombudsman (Finland) and Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (Portugal).  

The project brought together equality bodies, experts, public officials, civil society and other stakeholders to strengthen their capacity to identify, prevent and address discrimination linked to AI and algorithmic systems.

Capacity building was a key component of the project. Two editions of a dedicated training programme were organised in each partner country, reaching 370+ professionals. The programme combined relevant European standards on AI, equality and human rights with practical approaches to identifying and addressing algorithmic discrimination. European and country-specific training modules were complemented by national workshops, webinars and exchanges, providing further opportunities for peer learning and the exchange of practices and experiences.

The project also delivered practical resources in six languages, enabling continued action beyond the project’s lifetime. These include:

• Report on Legal protection against algorithmic discrimination in Europe: current frameworks and remaining gaps, (available also in FRA, DUT, POR, FIN, SWE);
• European policy guidelines on AI and algorithm-driven discrimination for equality bodies and other national human rights structures,  (available also in FRA, DUT, POR, FIN, SWE), and;
• European assessment methodology on algorithmic discrimination,  (available also in FRA, DUT, FIN, POR, SWE) to support professionals in identifying and examining potential cases.

While the project has formally ended, its work continues through efforts of the institutions and professionals it brought together.

🎥 Watch the project video and discover the results of the project: https://player.vimeo.com/video/1234318433?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479

📄 Explore the project leaflet, and find news items, publications and practical tools on the project page: Upholding equality and non-discrimination by Equality bodies regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administrations - Inclusion and anti-discrimination