Could Government Use AI?

The new science secretary is optimistic about the use of AI systems in government.

01:44 09 March 2023

Michelle Donela, the recently appointed Secretary of State for Science, says that artificial intelligence tools like ChatGP could play a massive role in government. 

Ms Donelan, who took over the new role following the Prime Minister's departmental reshuffle last month, said: "I think these types of technology are going to create a whole new section of jobs and in areas that we haven't even thought of, and where this leads us is limitless". 

ChatGPT is a form of generative AI designed to respond to questions in a human-like manner and understand the context of follow-up queries much like in human conversations. 

“I think these types of technology are going to create a whole new section of jobs and in areas that we haven’t even thought of, and where this leads us is limitless. We need to tap into that,” Ms Donelan said.

“Of course we need regulation in place, we need safeguards. But we should never be afraid of these technologies. We should be embracing them and utilising them so that they can lead to job creation here in the UK.”

Asked about the use in the civil service, she said: “We need to think about what is the use for ChatGPT, just like any other organisation would as well.

“I think these are things we need to look at – I think that when we look at all forms of technology, what we should be thinking about is not how does this replace somebody’s job or how does this replace the functions of an individual.