The Government is set to trial an AI chatbot to help people navigate its massive 700,000-page Gov.uk website. The technology will become part of a new Gov.uk app launching on Tuesday.
The initial "public beta" version allows users to access information and support without having to search the internet each time. Ministers expect to add new features throughout the year, including the AI chatbot due later this year.
Chatbot to answer niche questions
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the chatbot would "help people get answers to niche questions more quickly". Other functions, including applying for benefits, will be added in future updates.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the new app "shows for the first time how this Government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services". He promised the technology would eliminate "clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold".
Government pushes AI adoption
Since coming to power, ministers have pushed government departments to make greater use of technology. Sir Keir Starmer called on his Cabinet to incorporate AI into their departments in a major speech at the start of the year.
Describing Tuesday's launch as "just the start", Kyle added that the future AI chatbot would provide "a reliable answer immediately" to questions about government services. The app will also provide "personal notifications" to remind people when their MOT is due or when to register to vote.
Digital wallet planned
The Government is also expected to introduce a new online "wallet" later in the year. This will include digital versions of official documents, starting with the veterans' card and including a pilot for a digital drivers licence.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
