For the first time, AI tools have been implemented to analyze public feedback during government consultations, with the aim of cutting costs and saving staff time.
The Scottish government was the first to use this tool, called “consultation,” to gather opinions on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures, like lip fillers.
The UK government has noted that the tool is producing results similar to those generated by humans. It’s being further developed to evaluate feedback from additional consultations.
The tool reviewed over 2,000 responses, identifying key themes that were subsequently checked and refined by experts from the Scottish government.
Consultation has now become part of a broader set of AI tools known as “Humphrey,” which is intended to streamline processes in Whitehall and reduce spending on consultations.
Officials suggest that, through about 500 consultations held each year, this new tool could save UK taxpayers approximately £20 million annually, freeing up around 75,000 hours for other tasks.
Michael Lobatos, an artificial intelligence professor at the University of Edinburgh, expressed that while the potential benefits are significant, the issue of bias in AI shouldn’t be ignored.
“The goal is to keep humans in the loop, but in practice, people often lack the time to review everything, and that’s when bias may occur,” he noted.
He also warned that both domestic and foreign “bad actors” could compromise the integrity of AI systems.
“We need to ensure our systems are safe and robust, which requires significant investment and time,” Lobatos added.
“Realizing the benefits while minimizing risks needs more upfront investment than what’s currently being considered. Ministers and civil servants might see this as a quick way to cut costs, but it’s a crucial and complex endeavor.”
The government claims that consultation operates 1,000 times faster than human analysts and is 400 times less expensive. The results it produces are said to be “incredibly similar” to expert conclusions, albeit less comprehensive.
Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, spoke positively about the launch of the consulting tool, asserting it will save taxpayers “millions.” He stressed that no one should waste time on tasks AI can handle more efficiently, especially not to the tune of millions for outsourced work.
“With such encouraging results, Humphrey will help lower governance costs and effectively compile public and expert feedback on critical issues,” he stated.
The Scottish government is taking a proactive approach and plans to implement consultations within its own department and in other departments of Whitehall soon.
While there isn’t a definitive timeline for the consultations still in the preliminary stages, they are expected to be in place within government agencies by the end of 2025.
