Britain develops AI technology to aid laypeople in navigating intricate governmental red tape
UK Government Announces AI Exemplar Programs to Boost Productivity and Improve Public Services
The UK government has announced a series of AI projects, collectively known as the AI Exemplar programs, aimed at unlocking £45 billion in productivity gains and improving public services.
One of the key projects is an optional, prototype AI system designed to assist citizens with government bureaucracy. This citizen-facing AI program will be developed over the next 6 to 12 months and could potentially be rolled out nationwide from the end of 2027 if it passes evaluation. The prototype AI system will be optional to use, allowing citizens to choose whether they prefer AI-assisted services or traditional methods.
Jade Leung, the newly appointed AI Adviser to the Prime Minister, is playing a significant role in shaping the UK’s strategic approach to transformative AI. Leung, who graduated from the University of Oxford with a PhD in AI governance, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent over two-and-a-half years at OpenAI as both governance and policy adviser and governance lead.
The government's approach to AI-assisted citizen services acknowledges the 'hallucination' problem, where large language models generate plausible but false or misleading information. However, as of the latest information, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has not detailed specific technical measures to prevent hallucinations or whether users will be legally protected against AI errors.
The UK legal system has already responded to hallucination-related issues by imposing professional sanctions on lawyers who failed to verify AI-generated false information, reinforcing the principle of accountability despite AI use. The government's broader approach includes piloting AI tools carefully, promoting human oversight and accountability, and engaging expert advisors who focus on responsible AI governance.
Other AI Exemplar projects include:
- A Clippy-style assistant to help citizens navigate complex forms and legal jargon.
- "Justice Transcribe," which will use machine learning for live note-taking and transcription by probation officers.
- An "AI Content Store" for schools.
- The previously announced "Humphrey" assistant for civil servants, named after the self-serving, truth-twisting character from the political satire Yes, Minister.
In addition, the government is planning to give doctors access to large language model technology to draft discharge documents faster. Another project, "Extract," is a tool for more rapid extraction of data from old, handwritten planning documents and maps.
Peter Kyle MP, the technology secretary, stated that AI could provide a level of service to citizens that was previously unimaginable. The Centre for Governance of Artificial Intelligence (GovAI), founded in 2018 as part of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, is also involved in these efforts, now operating independently. Leung, in her dual roles as AI Adviser to the Prime Minister and chief technology officer at the AI Security Institute, will continue to play a crucial part in the UK's AI strategy.
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