Freedom of Information Request Reveals UK Science Minister Used ChatGPT for AI Policy Guidance

Key Takeaways

• U.K. Science and Technology Secretary Peter used ChatGPT to help guide policy.
• Kyle’s chatbot queries reveal the rising influence of AI in public policy decisions.
• The government seeks to promote AI adoption to boost efficiency.

Since its debut in 2022, ChatGPT has found fans in diverse sectors and settings, even among the highest echelons of government.

In the U.K., Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle used the chatbot to brainstorm policy issues, among other things, a freedom of information request by the New Scientist has revealed.

How Peter Kyle Uses ChatGPT

According to the New Scientist, Kyle prompted ChatGPT for advice on why the adoption of artificial intelligence is so slow in the U.K. business community.

ChatGPT then offered a list of factors that slowed adoption, including “limited awareness and understanding,” “regulatory and ethical concerns,” and “lack of government or institutional support.”

Kyle also asked the chatbot which podcasts he should appear on, writing, “What would be the best podcasts for me to appear on to reach a wide audience that’s appropriate for my ministerial responsibilities?”

In response, ChatGPT recommended The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists.

A New Frontier for Freedom of Information

Freedom of information laws in the U.K. have long been a tool for journalists and citizens to uncover what goes on behind closed doors in government.

In the past, freedom of information requests have revealed government emails, meeting minutes, and internal memos.

But the New Scientist’s latest request represents the first time they have been used to gain access to a minister’s interactions with a chatbot.

U.K. Government Encourages AI Adoption

While there isn’t a clear connection between ChatGPT’s advice and government policy, encouraging AI adoption is certainly on the government’s agenda.

On Thursday, March 13, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to use AI across the public sector to boost efficiency.

Calling the technology a “golden opportunity,” he said “I’m going to send teams into every government department with a clear mission from me to make the state more innovative and efficient.”