People like AI-backed govt services, aside from the govt part: survey

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Many people see the potential benefits of artificial intelligence technologies used for government services – but many also aren’t convinced governments will use AI tech responsibly, according to a new survey from Accenture.

The online survey of more than 6,000 citizens from US, Australia, the UK, Singapore, France and Germany found that more than half (54%) of citizens said they are willing to use AI services delivered by government, with even more expressing willingness when presented with the potential benefits derived from artificial intelligence.

For instance, three-quarters (74%) of respondents said they would be willing to use artificial intelligence if it would increase pension or retirement income (such as by improving their personal investment strategy and/or pension scheme), and two-thirds (66%) said they would use a chatbot if it would guarantee faster processing of a tax refund or social service benefits.

However, that doesn’t mean citizens aren’t worried about the government using artificial intelligence responsibly – two-thirds (66%) of respondents indicated a lack of confidence in government’s ethical and responsible use of AI. Specifically, only one-third (34%) said they’re “confident/very confident” that government would be ethical and responsible in its use of AI; fewer than one in three (29%) said they are “not at all confident” in government using AI ethically and responsibly, and slightly more than one-third (37%) said they are neutral on the point.

The survey also determined that regardless of where they lived, citizens have concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in government, including in areas of job security and personal data security. For instance, 42% said they think AI takes jobs away from people, and only 17% believe that AI can better protect their personal information and reduce their chances of getting hacked.

The survey found that one of the biggest communications challenges for government officials implementing artificial intelligence projects is explaining AI’s benefits to citizens. For instance, 32% of all survey respondents reported not understanding AI’s potential benefits well enough to judge whether government should use the technology.

“Citizens are willing to embrace AI-driven solutions that improve the delivery of government services, but they want to be sure that government is taking a leading role in ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI,” said Carl Ward, who leads AI programs for Accenture’s Health & Public Service practice. “These findings should be a wake-up call for government leaders to prioritize effective communications regarding the benefits of AI-related technology in delivering government services that are secure, smart and fast — while also promoting its proper and ethical use.”

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Public vs private sector

The survey findings also highlight differences between citizens who work in the public sector and other citizens regarding their views on artificial intelligence and government, with public-sector respondents being more positive overall.

For instance, public-sector respondents – which comprised just over 20% of the sample base – were more likely than other respondents to say they are willing to use AI services delivered by government (63% vs. 51%) and more likely to say they are confident or very confident that government would use AI in an ethical and responsible manner (46% vs. 31%). At the same time, public-sector respondents were less likely to say they don’t understand AI’s potential benefits well enough to judge whether government should use the technology (26% vs. 33%).

Public-sector respondents were also more likely than other respondents to say they would be comfortable using a chatbot to interact with a government agency (56% vs 38%) – and twice as likely to say they believe that using artificial intelligence apps such as digital assistants or chatbots for government services is a more secure way to protect personal information (46% vs 23%).

“New categories of digital jobs are emerging that result in improved government services for citizens, and citizens want government personnel to explain how AI can improve the delivery of public services,” Ward said. “Public-sector employees will be a critical component to bridging that gap between advancing AI and engaging with citizens to address concerns while also explaining the benefits. AI job coaches for government personnel could provide the required skills and training necessary to ensure that staff can explain the benefits of AI government tools and how they can change citizen experiences for the better.”

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