Artificial Intelligence: An Accountability Framework for Federal Agencies and Other Entities (GAO-21-519SP)

Summary

GAO published its AI accountability framework (GAO-21-519SP) on June 30, 2021, to help federal agencies and other entities use AI responsibly. It sets out key accountability practices around four principles: governance, data, performance and monitoring. GAO developed the practices from a forum with experts from government, industry and non-profits and from interviews with federal inspector-general officials and AI experts. The framework is guidance for agencies, auditors and others; it does not create legal obligations.

Key dates

1. June 30, 2021 (publication)Takes effect
2. June 30, 2021Issued
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. GAO-21-519SP Published: Jun 30, 2021. Publicly Released: Jun 30, 2021.

   Supports: Report number and date

   This report identifies key accountability practices—centered around the principles of governance, data, performance, and monitoring—to help federal agencies and others use AI responsibly.

   Supports: Four principles

   Artificial Intelligence: An Accountability Framework for Federal Agencies and Other Entities U.S. Government Accountability Office Primary source