State pensioners could be one demographic at “serious harm” of an expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our public services, it is feared.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), in particular, is expected to further its use of AI to reform Jobcentres, provide information on jobs, skills and other support to save work coaches time. It says the move will help the most vulnerable, including state pensioners, as services will be streamlined.
But a charity has this week argued “rushed implementation” of the tool will be problematic, and “marginalised groups” may even suffer bias and discrimination id historical data is used.
Shelley Hopkinson, head of policy and influencing at charity Turn2us, said: “AI has the potential to improve speed and consistency in the social security system, but errors from rushed implementation could cause serious harm to people relying on support. We are concerned that the historical data used to train AI may perpetuate bias and discrimination against marginalised groups.”
The machine-learning programme used by the DWP to detect universal credit fraud incorrectly selected people from some groups more than others, an investigation by The Guardian had highlighted recently. It showed that there was bias according to people’s age, disability, marital status and nationality. Further research found that 200,000 people have been wrongly investigated for housing benefit fraud and error because of poor algorithmic judgment.
Ms Hopkinson told The Big Issue: “AI integration should be guided by consultation and transparency so that the system meets the needs of everyone and builds trust that decisions are fair and accurate. This must come with clear accountability and safeguards to allow for challenge. AI must work for people, not against them, prioritising people’s lives and wellbeing in decision-making.”
But the Tony Blair Institute previously found that the DWPcould free up 40% of its time using AI tools, equivalent to a productivity gain of close to £1bn a year. Speaking earlier this week, the DWP’s permanent secretary, Sir Peter Schofield, cited several active programmes AI has already helped the Government support those with additional needs. These include the Health Transformation Programme and the Service Modernisation Programme, the boss said.
And Birmingham Live reports Sir Keir Starmer believes AI will help boost growth both in the public sector and private trades. He had said the broad move will “make our public services better” and “boost growth”.
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