UK Tech Secretary’s Use of ChatGPT for Policy Advice Raises Concerns

Peter Kyle’s reliance on the AI tool for tasks like defining terms and media strategy prompts debate over its role in government decision-making.

Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, has used ChatGPT for advice on policy, media appearances, and understanding scientific terms.
Records obtained under freedom of information laws revealed Kyle asked the chatbot why small businesses in the UK have been slow to adopt AI and which podcasts he should appear on.
Critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of using AI tools like ChatGPT for ministerial tasks, citing risks of inaccuracies and over-reliance on technology.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has advocated for greater use of AI across government, claiming it could unlock £45 billion in efficiency savings and improve public services.
The release of Kyle's ChatGPT interactions has sparked discussions on the transparency and regulation of AI use in government, with some experts warning of potential policy risks.