AI supports predictive policing, resource allocation for social programs, traffic management, and administrative automation. Governments use AI to analyse large datasets for policy planning, detect fraud or abuse, and optimise public services.
Why: To improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions for public benefit.
Ethical considerations: Risks include discrimination in policing or welfare allocation, lack of transparency in decision-making, privacy violations, and concentration of power in systems that citizens cannot easily challenge.
AI Team to Improve Public Services in the UK
Government pushes AI to boost efficiency, analyse complex datasets, and supporting decision-making.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by governments to modernize and improve public services. In the United Kingdom, the government announced the creation of a new AI team backed by Meta and academic partners to develop open-source AI tools for public services such as transport planning, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety analysis. The goal is to improve efficiency while keeping control of sensitive public data within government systems rather than outsourcing it entirely to private companies.
However, this approach raises concerns about transparency and accountability, as citizens may not understand how AI influences decisions that affect them. There are also risks of bias if the systems rely on historical data that reflects past inequalities, and data security remains a major concern when handling large volumes of personal information.
AI “Minister” for Public Procurement
Albania appointed an AI system (Diella) to reduce corruption and increase transparency in government tendering.
A more symbolic but notable example comes from Albania, where an AI system was introduced to oversee aspects of public procurement with the aim of reducing corruption and increasing transparency. The AI is intended to analyze procurement data, flag irregularities, and improve oversight in government spending.
While this demonstrates an innovative attempt to use AI for accountability, it raises fundamental questions about responsibility and governance. An AI system cannot be held legally accountable in the same way a human official can, and biased or incomplete data could lead to flawed conclusions. There is also public concern about whether complex ethical and political decisions should be delegated to automated systems at all.
AI Virtual Assistant for Development Applications
Australia trials AI assistant (DAISY) to reduce response times and frees officials for more complex tasks.
AI is also being introduced to improve how citizens interact with local government services. In Australia, several local councils have deployed an AI assistant to help residents navigate development and planning applications. The system answers questions about zoning rules, required documents, and submission processes, making public information accessible around the clock and reducing administrative workload.
While this improves access and efficiency, it also carries the risk of misinformation if the AI provides outdated or incorrect guidance. Residents may rely on AI responses without seeking human clarification, potentially leading to rejected applications or legal issues. Additionally, it can be unclear how often the system is updated or who is responsible when incorrect information is given.
AI-Assisted Policing Overhauls
UK government uses AI-powered cameras and facial recognition tools to make public safety operations more responsive.
In law enforcement and public safety, AI has been proposed as a tool to analyze visual data and improve policing efficiency. In the UK, plans to expand AI-powered facial recognition and camera systems aim to speed up suspect identification and crime prevention efforts. These systems can process vast amounts of footage far faster than humans, potentially improving response times and solving crimes more efficiently.
However, this use of AI raises serious ethical concerns about surveillance, privacy, and civil liberties. Facial recognition systems have been shown to perform unevenly across demographic groups, increasing the risk of misidentification and discriminatory outcomes. Without strict oversight and clear legal limits, such technologies may erode public trust and infringe on individual rights.
AI-Powered Chatbots & Services Worldwide
Accessible AI interfaces can make government services more inclusive and timely.
Across many countries, governments are also deploying AI chatbots to answer citizen questions about taxes, immigration, benefits, and public services. These systems are designed to reduce call center pressure and provide faster responses to common queries.
While they improve efficiency and accessibility, especially for routine tasks, they can also produce confidently stated but incorrect information if not carefully managed. This creates a risk of misinformation, particularly when citizens rely on AI responses for important decisions. Privacy is another concern, as these systems often process personal data, and citizens may not be fully aware of how their information is stored or used.