iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

mySociety @mysociety.org · 25/09/2026

Reserved your spot for Monday's free webinar yet? If you have an interest in #FOI you won't want to miss Aiden Clarkson from the UK's @infocommission.bsky.social & Christian Anker from the Chilean Council for Transparency, both talking about the role of the regulator. pretix.eu/mysociety/3r...

Title: Delivering ATI in practice:

Subtitle: How regulators can help people use their Right To Information

000

mySociety @mysociety.org · 24/09/2026

Don't forget to put 11-12 March into your calendars now - this is going to be so brilliant: two days exploring how digital tools can help make democratic systems more effective, inclusive and participatory. More details - and a call for proposals - coming soon! www.mysociety.org/2026/09/14/t...

TICTeC presents: Digital Democracy Edinburgh
Exploring practical technology to build democratic resilience
SAVE THE DATE 11-12 March 2027

001

mySociety @mysociety.org · 24/09/2026

Does AI need more guardrails? That's the question mySociety's @itscrowbot.bsky.social will be addressing, along with panelmates James Wood of @hsfkramer.bsky.social and Emma Logan of @wearebcs.bsky.social. Catch the discussion online, on day 2 of PT Exchange: totalevents.uk/event/pt-exc...

PT Exchange Focus 29 - Oct-01 October 2026 12:00-13:45 daily , online

010

mySociety @mysociety.org · 23/09/2026

We’ll explore how regulators can help people navigate the system, where oversight can make the biggest difference, and what those working on #ATI can learn from different approaches. Book your free space at pretix.eu/mysociety/3r... #FreedomofInformation #FOI

pretix.eu

28 September - Delivering ATI in practice: How regulators can help people use their right to information

Mon, Sept. 28, 2026

000

mySociety @mysociety.org · 23/09/2026

The first of our webinars on global Access To Information is this Mon, 28 Sept at 16:00 UK time - International Right to Know Day! Aiden Clarkson from @infocommission.bsky.social and Christian Anker from Chile’s Council of Transparency will discuss what good regulatory support looks like.

100

mySociety @mysociety.org · 22/09/2026

Thanks, Redditors - this could be FixMyStreet's new strapline: "I keep meaning to do it but I didn't quite know how." www.reddit.com/r/edinburgh2... "It passes the problem along to the relevant council and department who deal with the problem you describe." Perfectly put - in a nutshell!

A Reddit thread:
u/TheInitialGod
•2d ago
"I keep meaning to do it but I didn't quite know how to"

Fixmystreet.com

It passes the problem along to the relevant council and department who deal with the problem you describe.

u/Fancy_Toe1451
• 2d ago
use the "Fix My Street" or "Write to Them" websites, they are free to use and the site does all the hard work of finding the right person for you.

https://www.fixmystreet.com/

https://www.writetothem.com/

u/Just-Plankton8990

•2d ago
When I used to live somewhere else (not Edinburgh) I had a problem that I kept reporting directly to the council. Basically there was a pothole right next to a drain, the pothole had become a big gravel pit and when it filled with rainwater and a car drive though it, it would splash gravel into the drain and block it, which then meant that the pothole was permanently full of water. It was a self reinforcing vicious circle and they really both needed fixing at the same time. I kept reporting this to the council, and they kept closing the case as "fixed" without even visiting or doing anything. I kept telling them it wasn't fixed and asking them to reopen the case and they refused. So their records showed that they had successfully fixed it multiple times, when in fact they'd just done nothing and lied about it. This went on for years, and eventually I reported it to one of those websites (I think it was fixmystreet) - within two weeks the pothole was filled in and the drain was cleared.

000

Reposted by mySociety

mySociety @mysociety.org · 21/09/2026

Is TheyWorkForYou, our 'what's going on in Parliament' website, helping you make change? If so, we'd love to hear all about it. Please head over to: forms.gle/27avC2jeKTke... to answer some very quick questions. Thank you!

113

mySociety @mysociety.org · 21/09/2026

Why? Because when people see what others are doing, it often inspires them to do something too! When you see it, you can be it, as the saying goes. So, if you're up for answering a few questions about your use of TheyWorkForYou to make change, please go to forms.gle/27avC2jeKTke.... Thank you!

001

mySociety @mysociety.org · 21/09/2026

Perhaps you use it to inform a campaign, to search Hansard for something specific... or something else all together. Whatever it is, if you're using TheyWorkForYou for something meaningful, we'd love to hear about it - and possibly write about it on our blog.

100

mySociety @mysociety.org · 21/09/2026

113

mySociety @mysociety.org · 15/09/2026

Today's the #InternationalDayOfDemocracy - so let us remind you that you can sign up for six emails showing you how to get the most from our online democracy tools: www.mysociety.org/the-mysociet... Even if you've been using our services for some time, we bet there'll be some new ideas for you!

000

mySociety @mysociety.org · 15/09/2026

The first webinar is on 28 Sept, which is happily also International Right To Know Day! Register, for free, here: pretix.eu/mysociety/3r... #FOI #InternationalRightToKnowDay

000

mySociety @mysociety.org · 15/09/2026

We're running a series of three free webinars on Access To Information globally - looking at how campaigners are defending #FOI in their countries, how people are building new Right To Information platforms, and the role of regulators. Sign up for one or more sessions here: pretix.eu/mysociety/3r...

101

mySociety @mysociety.org · 15/09/2026

Last day for applications is TODAY!

000

Reposted by mySociety

mySociety @mysociety.org · 14/09/2026

For now, just save the date & sign up for updates at tictec.mysociety.org/tictec-updat... - lots more to come about this global summit on how high-quality deliberative participation can be enhanced through digital tech, in democracies around the world. Hope to see you in Edinburgh! #TICTeC

177

mySociety @mysociety.org · 14/09/2026

You're quick! Got in before we'd got our own post out 😆

100

mySociety @mysociety.org · 14/09/2026

More details, including the programme, the open call for proposals, and registration, coming soon! For now, make sure you're signed up for updates. tictec.mysociety.org/tictec-updat...

010

mySociety @mysociety.org · 14/09/2026

Produced by our #TICTeC team, Digital Democracy Edinburgh is a collaboration between mySociety, @scottishgovernment.bsky.social, @edfuturesinstitute.bsky.social, @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social and @ai4cihub.bsky.social - and the official follow on from last year's Digital Democracy The Hague summit.

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 14/09/2026

177

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/09/2026

The closing date for this job is Tuesday, 15 September - so better get to it if you'd like to apply! Full details on the job, and how to apply, at: apply.workable.com/mysociety/j/... NO AGENCIES, THANKS.

We're looking for a collaborative, efficient, organised, resilient, kind, experienced, proactive User Support Officer at mySociety

000

mySociety @mysociety.org · 08/09/2026

Did you get today's newsletter, all about the recent additions to TheyWorkForYou? There are lots! If not, you can read it here (and subscribe top left of that page): mailchi.mp/mysociety.or...

An MP stands to contribute to a debate in the House of Commons

001

Reposted by mySociety

mySociety @mysociety.org · 07/09/2026

We got @alexparsons.bsky.social to describe all the improvements we've been making to TheyWorkForYou lately - and there are heaps! Want to know what they are? Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter before lunchtime tomorrow - you can do that here: eepurl.com/gOEVFj

An MP in a coral coloured dress, hand out, stands up to ask a question during Prime Ministers Question Time

042

mySociety @mysociety.org · 07/09/2026

042

mySociety @mysociety.org · 02/09/2026

Yeah, we understand the concerns. But ultimately we're in support of their aim "to advocate for policies grounded in evidence", and their use of FOI has all been to uncover facts.

010

mySociety @mysociety.org · 02/09/2026

Missed our most recent newsletter? It was a good'un! But never fret, you can read it here: mailchi.mp/mysociety.or... (and subscribe top left of that page so you never miss another one!)

Text: Ready for our close-up

This isn’t the first time our sites have played a part in a TV campaign. In October 2023, we spoke to WhatDoTheyKnow user Eleanor Shaikh, who’d uncovered crucial evidence about the Post Office scandal.

In January ’24, the extent of the issue hit the public consciousness via TV series Mr Bates vs the Post Office. You can hear Eleanor explain how she used FOI in this ten minute podcast.

George Martin Empty Homes Spotter
And all the way back in 2011, we built the app for George Martin’s empty homes campaign, the Great British Property Scandal.

That programme is now off air, but you can read more about how we adapted our FixMyStreet codebase so people could report empty buildings in their area.

A pair of blue disposable medical gloves lie on top of a leaaflet marked 'Coronavirus stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.
Trust the evidence

Photos: promo images from Mr Bates Vs the Post Office and George Martin's Empty Homes, plus an image of blue medical disposable gloves beside a leaflet about coronavirus.

000

mySociety @mysociety.org · 02/09/2026

Our newsletter goes out this lunch time, looking at the part #FOI played in two very different, but both vital, investigations: the toxic waste dumps in @mchshe.bsky.social's "Buried", and the Trust The Evidence project uncovering facts around the pandemic. Are you subscribed? eepurl.com/gOEVFj

Toxic waste barrels dumped in the overgrowth

A pair of blue, disposable medical gloves on top of a leaflet about coronavirus

010

Reposted by mySociety

Michael @mikeyh71.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

If you want to make your community better, mySociety has brilliant tools to help: FixMyStreet for reporting problems, TheyWorkForYou to track your MP, WhatDoTheyKnow for FOI requests. Simple apps that give citizens real power to improve where they live. www.mysociety.org?utm_source=f...

mysociety.org

mySociety

mySociety provides technology, research and data to help people be active citizens, in more than 40 countries around the world.

132

Reposted by mySociety

Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Should public data have to pay for itself? 🤑 We think charging for data risks reducing the value of public data and locking useful datasets away for the long term. Quick summary of our response to the government’s call for evidence: www.mysociety.org/2026/08/27/t...

mysociety.org

The problem with making public data pay for itself

The government is looking at whether public bodies should have more freedom to charge for access to their data, and we've responded to its call for evidence. There are good reasons to be cautious abo...

21921

Reposted by mySociety

mySociety @mysociety.org · 25/08/2026

If you're organised, proactive, efficient, resilient, sensitive to nuance and have experience in providing excellent user support, come and join the mySociety team! Find more details and apply at apply.workable.com/mysociety/j/...

023

mySociety @mysociety.org · 25/08/2026

023

Reposted by mySociety

Julia Cushion @juliacushion.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

We’ve submitted our response to the @infocommission.bsky.social’s new corporate strategy consultation. FOI is a vital part of our democratic infrastructure, and we think it needs much greater visibility in the ICO’s priorities. Our recommendations👇 www.mysociety.org/2026/08/17/t...

mysociety.org

The ICO is changing: it’s an ideal time to demand better

Governing Freedom of Information in the UK Tl;dr: the governance model of the ICO is changing and FOI isn’t well-represented in their new strategy. Here is how it could be made better. Freedom of Inf...

046

mySociety @mysociety.org · 12/08/2026

Thanks! We've actually seen a few instances of this, so we suspect it's on our side. Please could you contact us via www.whatdotheyknow.com/help/contact so we can investigate further with your specific account details?

100

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

And this is just the start of a much longer project - one which will result in a new online scrutiny tool. To keep up with everything, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter at eepurl.com/gOEVFj and check the 'Artifical Intelligence' box.

022

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

That was a speedy recap of a more complex and nuanced conversation. You can read a more in-depth summary at mysociety.org/AI-scrutiny.

Read the whole conversation on our blog - mysociety.org/AI-scrutiny
and...

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

We have to come together to challenge patterns of harm, and negative impacts on individuals - with sector-wide collaboration to share knowledge, cases, challenges and successes.

So, what would we like to see?
4. We need practical ways to use that evidence to challenge individual decisions and wider patterns of harm.

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

The existence of an evaluation does not necessarily mean that meaningful scrutiny has taken place. Tech suppliers may assess their own products using benchmarks that make little sense to the wider public. Civil society also has a role to play here in shaping these evaluations.

So, what would we like to see?
3. Evaluations should examine real-world outcomes...
...rather than relying on abstract benchmarks.

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

The time for scrutiny is *before* a system is up and running, not after it has started having potentially unforeseen consequences!

So, what would we like to see?
2. We need information early enough for people to influence decisions... not after a system has been introduced

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

We need coherent, consistent data. The UK government’s Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard is widely seen as good practice, and could provide valuable information if used consistently, but we know that not every relevant system appears on the associated public hub.

So, what would we like to see?
1. Public bodies should report what systems they're developing and using... as structured data

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

It's exhausting keeping up with everything you need to do to keep authorities accountable - and that's where civil society needs to step in and help.

3. People should not need to become experts in every system affecting them in order to be protected. In our push for scrutiny, we must not transfer too much responsibility onto communities, especially those already vulnerable.

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

This is a point worth considering - because all those 'little' or 'unofficial' uses of AI in the office may actually be affecting decision-making processes that have a real-life impact on service users.

2. Big procurements aren't the whole AI story - staff may be using generative AI for drafting, research, transcription or coding, without the public body having coherent oversight of this usage.

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

Information on government use of AI is fragmented, if it exists at all - and there's no one single mechanism to gather data on this use.

1. Existing routes to transparency aren't enough. There's currently no way to build a comprehensive picture of which systems are being developed, trialled or used across government.

121

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us to have this useful and important conversation! Read on to see what was discussed.

We brought together experts from academia, law, journalism, technology and public policy. Here's what they said >>>

122

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

...which systems are being deployed, where they are being used, how they are affecting people's lives, and who is accountable for the decisions they make.

- what AI systems are public bodies using?
- how are those systems actually affecting people?
And so...

143

mySociety @mysociety.org · 11/08/2026

Government departments at every level are deploying AI systems - and we need to be able to ask the basic questions, like...

Government is rapidly deploying AI systems...and we think it should be easier to ask the basic questions, like...

11010

Reposted by mySociety

mySociety @mysociety.org · 06/08/2026

⏰️ Nagging feeling there's something you should be doing? Maybe there is! Applications close TOMORROW for our Service Manager vacancy: apply.workable.com/mysociety/j/...

Text: Digital service manager for user-facing operational support of mySociety's online services

Photo: Hands using a laptop, with translucent avatars of documents floating above the keyboard

011

Reposted by mySociety

mySociety @mysociety.org · 04/08/2026

In a challenging global environment, we're making a difference. To find out more, read our full impact report at www.mysociety.org/impact-repor...

012