Governments Are Using AI to Reshape Governance - But Should They?

March 17th 2025

Governments worldwide are exploring AI’s role in governance, from efficiency improvements to policy-making, raising concerns about reliance on AI for decision-making. Recent revelations that UK ministers are using ChatGPT for advice, coupled with the US government's push for AI-driven governance, spark debates on whether AI should be treated as a tool for efficiency or something more akin to human intelligence.

While AI has clear applications in automating bureaucratic tasks, the lack of clear understanding about what AI truly is presents a risk. Many AI researchers argue that current AI models are nowhere near artificial general intelligence (AGI) and should be seen as cultural tools rather than intelligent agents. However, governments appear to be treating AI as a conversational and analytical partner, as seen in the UK's recent release of a minister’s ChatGPT interactions under freedom of information laws - an act that suggests AI-generated responses are viewed similarly to civil service correspondence.

This issue raises critical questions: Should governments rely on AI for policy recommendations? What happens when AI responses contain misinformation or bias? While AI is already disrupting job markets and administrative processes, it doesn't require AGI to do so. The push toward AI-driven governance should not outpace the public's ability to scrutinize its role, ensuring that AI remains a tool for efficiency rather than an unchecked authority.

Source: NewScientist.com