Government Examines Ethical Dilemmas of AI in Online Services
The Government is currently exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its online information services. However, concerns have been raised regarding the governance of AI technology within various state departments. The Department of Transport, for instance, recently stated that it could not provide copies of its previous AI policies as the records either could not be found or do not exist.
Unesco, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has highlighted potential ethical dilemmas surrounding the impact of AI on transparency and privacy. As a result, government officials are developing a set of principles to guide the use of AI by public sector workers if necessary. These principles are being drafted by staff from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and a group at the Department of Enterprise.
It is important to note that this initiative is separate from efforts to improve how information is delivered to the public through the Gov.ie website using AI. Some government departments have acknowledged using AI technology already. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan revealed last May that his department had utilized ChatGPT, an AI tool capable of generating responses to user queries. However, when a freedom of information request was made to access related documents and advice on how officials used AI, the request was refused on the grounds that the records either could not be found or do not exist.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport clarified that ChatGPT was used in an exploratory manner to test its capabilities. The usage was governed by existing policies, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), cloud computing regulations, and acceptable usage policies. No sensitive information was inputted into the service. Any future use of AI by the department will adhere to the recently published guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Similarly, the Department of Agriculture also employed ChatGPT but eventually abandoned its use due to limited benefits. The department did not respond to inquiries regarding the governance of their AI usage.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform emphasized their focus on harnessing the usability strengths of AI and utilizing authoritative sources of data. In terms of safeguards, GDPR compliance is prioritized in projects involving personal data, and adherence to NCSC cyber security guidance on generative AI for public sector bodies is ensured.
While the 2021 strategy published by the department predates the increased utilization of AI platforms like ChatGPT, its implementation is being led by the Department of Enterprise. The Companies Registration Office (CRO) within the department employs AI to scan annual returns and verify the appropriate signatories.
The Department of Social Protection confirmed limited use of AI through a chatbot on the MyGovID platform. Meanwhile, other government departments are currently exploring future applications of AI. These departments plan to follow the 2021 guidance issued by the NCSC in their AI endeavors. Additional guidance has been provided to government departments by the NCSC in June.
In conclusion, the Irish government is undertaking a thorough examination of the ethical implications of integrating AI into its online services. With efforts to establish clear principles and guidelines regarding AI usage, the government aims to ensure transparency, privacy, and adherence to data protection regulations. While some departments have already experimented with AI tools like ChatGPT, it is crucial to address concerns surrounding governance and data handling to foster responsible AI implementation and avoid potential ethical dilemmas.
