Government unveils AI chatbot and digital government app

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Sir Peter Kyle MP, has unveiled a strategy to enhance public services through the integration of advanced technology and AI.

This move aims to expedite processes, reduce administrative burdens, and deliver more efficient services to citizens.

Central to this initiative is the introduction of AI tools, which will be accessed via a tool called ‘Humphrey’. The politicos amongst you (and those of a certain age) will remember Sir Humphrey Appleby from the ‘Yes Minister’.

Sir Humphrey was, of course, a diligent public servant who knew more than the minister he served and was able to pull the strings of the government machine to get his way. Whether the AI Humphrey will have the same knack for government manipulation remains to be seen…

A significant component of the plan addresses the current challenges in data sharing across public sector entities. By promoting seamless information exchange between departments such as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Business and Trade, the government intends to eliminate delays, combat fraud, and provide timely support to businesses. This approach is expected to generate substantial productivity savings, targeting an estimated £45 billion annually.

The strategy also focuses on phasing out outdated procedures that have long impeded efficiency. For instance, the traditional requirement for individuals to physically visit local councils to register a death, or the mandate to publish notices in local newspapers for certain business transactions, will be replaced with streamlined digital alternatives. These changes are designed to simplify interactions between citizens and public services, fostering a more user-friendly environment.

This initiative builds upon the recently launched AI Opportunities Action Plan, which seeks to position the UK as a burgeoning hub for AI development. Of course, if government wants the rest of us to embrace AI, it must also prove it is willing to do so itself.

It also has the challenge of showing the public their data is safe.

This is a good first step in doing so.

As Sir Humphrey (the character) said, however: "civil servants have an extraordinary genius for wrapping up a simple idea to make it sound extremely complicated".

Well, let’s be honest, the concept of e-government is fairly simple and not particularly technologically groundbreaking. Many nations have had extensive digital governmental frameworks for some time - Estonia has had such a system since soon after the turn of the century.

But, with the enormity of accessible data, generative AI tools, and chatbots, we could expect some genuinely innovative uses and solutions for many aspects of government.

The DMA has been working closely with the government on the creation of legislation in the data and AI space, most recently the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which is making its way through Parliament. Get the latest here.

Find the full government announcement on its AI and digital adoption here.