Jeonju City has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to utilize ultra-speed artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the identification and consultation of households in need, which may have been overlooked by existing welfare services.
What is Ultra-speed AI?
Ultra-speed AI refers to next-generation artificial intelligence systems that operate on supercomputing infrastructure. These systems significantly surpass traditional computers in processing speeds, are more closely designed to mimic the human brain, and are capable of advanced thinking, learning, and decision-making.
AI-Powered Welfare Consultation Service
Starting on the 18th, the city plans to roll out an ‘AI Consultation Service’ specifically targeting the regions of Pyeonghwa 1-dong in Wansan-gu and Inhu 2-dong in Deokjin-gu. This initiative is a part of the ‘2023 Digital Town Creation Project’ led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which Jeonju City was selected to be part of last year.
A Step Towards Digitalization
In preparation for this launch, Jeonju City had established a partnership with Naver Cloud in October last year and has been conducting preliminary tests since January. Following several detailed consultations and recent successful tests of the final model of ‘Naver Clova CareCall’, the project is now ready for implementation.
The Impact of AI Consultation Service
The AI service aims to have initial interactions with families in need through conversational intelligence, to understand their welfare needs. The data gathered from these interactions will then be composed into individual analysis reports and provided to local community centers for further action.
City officials have noted the potential of this AI consultation service in enhancing welfare administration efficiency. It is expected that this sophisticated AI system will support more in-depth consultations and services, reinforcing Jeonju City’s social safety net.
Challenges and Controversies
The application of AI in welfare services can lead to numerous challenges and controversies:
Privacy and Data Security: The deployment of AI in public services raises concerns about data protection and user privacy, as sensitive personal information must be collected, processed, and stored. Ensuring that data is handled securely is crucial to maintaining public trust.
Bias and Discrimination: AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate bias if they are trained on datasets that contain implicit biases. This can lead to unfair treatment of certain groups, undermining the goal of equitable welfare support.
Accountability and Transparency: Decisions made by AI can be complex and difficult to interpret. The “black box” nature of some AI decisions can raise questions about accountability and transparency, particularly when decisions significantly affect individuals’ lives.
Job Displacement: Introducing AI into welfare services could lead to concerns about the displacement of human workers, as some tasks might be automated. This highlights the need to balance technological advancements with the preservation of employment opportunities.
Human-AI Interaction: Adequately training welfare recipients and staff to interact with AI is essential for the smooth operation of the service. Misunderstandings or technical issues could inhibit the effectiveness of the AI system.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
– Efficiency: AI can quickly process large amounts of data, helping to identify and reach out to at-risk households swiftly.
– Consistency: The AI system can provide uniform services and responses, ensuring a consistent standard of welfare consultation.
– Depth of Analysis: Advanced AI can provide nuanced understanding and potentially uncover welfare needs that manual analysis might miss.
Disadvantages:
– Cost of Implementation: Establishing and maintaining an ultra-speed AI infrastructure can require significant financial investment.
– Technological Reliance: An overreliance on AI might lead to reduced human oversight and the potential for systemic errors.
– Accessibility: Technological advancements may not be equally accessible to all, potentially leading to a digital divide where some individuals are less able to benefit from AI services.
For those interested in learning more about the role and implications of AI in public services, you may visit the websites of organizations that focus on technology, ethics, and public policy. An example is the OECD website, which covers a range of topics concerning artificial intelligence and its impact on society.