No department in Whitehall has registered the use of artificial intelligence systems since the government announced that it will be made compulsory, sparking warnings that the public sector is “acting blind” to the deployment of algorithmic technologies that will affect millions of lives. AI is already being used by governments to inform decisions on everything from benefit payments to immigration enforcement, and records show public agencies have awarded dozens of contracts for AI and algorithmic services. A contract for facial recognition software worth up to £20 million was put up for sale by the Home Office-set up police procurement agency last week, reigniting concerns about “massive biometric surveillance”.
However, details of only nine algorithmic systems have been submitted so far to the public register. There is no increase in AI programs being used in the welfare system by the Home Office or the police. The lack of information comes despite the government announcing in February this year that the use of AI registers would be a requirement for all government departments.
An expert warned of the potential harms of deploying AI systems uncritically, citing high-profile examples of IT systems not working as intended, like the Post Office’s Horizon software. The use of AI within Whitehall ranges from Microsoft’s Copilot system to automated fraud and error checking in benefits systems. The lack of transparency in the government’s use of algorithms has raised concerns among privacy rights campaigners and experts in the field.
Since the end of 2022, only three algorithms have been recorded in the national registry. These include systems used by the Cabinet Office and AI-powered cameras analyzing pedestrian crossings in Cambridge. A system that analyzes patient reviews of NHS services is also included. Despite the slow progress in registering AI systems, public agencies have signed 164 contracts referencing AI since February. Technology companies like Microsoft and Meta are actively promoting their AI systems to government agencies.
The Department for Work and Pensions and the Home Office are already leveraging AI for various purposes, from fraud detection to decision-making processes. Police forces are using AI-powered facial recognition software to track criminal suspects, while NHS England has signed a deal with Palantir to build a new data platform. In addition, AI chatbots are being trialed to assist people in navigating government websites and assist civil servants in accessing secure government documents quickly.
Source: www.theguardian.com
