AI-automated redaction

FOI reference: FOI-2024-2366

You asked

I am requesting the record about document redaction in detail. In particular, I ask for: 

1. Please describe the process and standards used by your organization to redact documents. Specifically, what guidelines, standards, or procedures are followed to protect personal and sensitive information? 
2. Does your organisation use any tools, software, or automated systems for document redaction? If yes, please specify the types of tools used (e.g., AI-based systems, machine learning models, manual redaction tools). 
3. Please provide details about any AI or machine learning technologies used to support document redaction, including the names of any software or vendors. If an automated tool or AI-based system is used for document redaction, does your organisation include a human review step in the process before finalising redaction? Please describe the role of human reviewers. 
4. Please provide details on training provided to individuals involved in the document redaction process, particularly for AI-based or automated redaction tools. How are staff trained to identify sensitive information and use these tools effectively? 
5. What are the biggest challenges your organisation faces when redacting documents particularly when using automated or AI-based systems?

We said

Thank you for your request.  

1. Redactions are occasionally applied by ONS Legal Services to withhold exempt information in material planned for release in response to information rights requests. In such cases, redactions are made in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the UK General Data Protection Act and the Data Protection Act 2018. 
2. We do not use any automated redaction tools. We use Adobe Acrobat 23 to manually mark up and apply redactions to documents. 
3. We do not use AI-based systems to redact documents. 
4. Not applicable.
5. Not applicable.