Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to replace thousands of civil service jobs in fraud detection, according to a Cabinet Office minister. Alex Burghart believes that AI technology could significantly improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase productivity within government departments. Additionally, he suggests that AI could serve as the “institutional memory” of these departments, compensating for high staff turnover.
During a Centre for Policy Studies event, Burghart stated, “We may not need to employ thousands of people to do fraud detection in the future. I hope that’s something that we can make infinitely easier and cheaper for the British public… As we master this technology, you can certainly envisage a future in which you have a smaller civil service than you have today.”
The Tory MP for Brentwood and Ongar also discussed the development of an AI red box, which ministers could use to receive important papers. The AI red box would be capable of reading, summarizing, and highlighting connections between documents. Over time, it could become the institutional memory of government departments, ensuring continuity even when staff turnover occurs.
Burghart highlighted that the AI red box could address the issue of departing staff members who remember important incidents from years past. With the implementation of this technology, previous policies and successes would be retained, enhancing decision-making and knowledge sharing.
The development of the AI red box is currently underway, with several ministers already utilizing the technology. It is expected that once fine-tuned, the red box will be available to all Cabinet Office colleagues. Furthermore, there are plans to extend the use of AI technology to summarize MPs’ statements in the House of Commons, reducing the administrative burden on officials.
The implementation of AI in government systems comes as the Post Office scandal puts tech systems’ credibility into question. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed a desire for the UK to take a leading role in AI regulation, hosting the world’s first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in November. The aim is to demonstrate the potential of AI systems within Whitehall and seek further support from the Treasury.
The source of the article is from the blog portaldoriograndense.com