Labour minister requested AI for recommendation on AI and what podcasts to look on

FOI requests have reavealed that a Labour government minister asked artificial intelligence for advice about AI and what podcasts it would be appropriate for him to appear on

Freedom of Information requests have revealed that a UK government minister asked AI for advice about AI and what podcasts it would be appropriate for him to appear on.

Peter Kyle, the UK’s technology secretary asked AI tool ChatGPT for advice on why the United Kingdom’s business community is being so slow in adopting artificial intelligence, Freedom of Information Requests by New Scientist found.

This week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “No person’s substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker and to the same high quality and standard.”

Records show that Kyle asked ChatGPT to explain why the UK’s small and medium business (SMB) community has been so slow in adopting artificial intelligence, to which ChatGPT responded with a 10-point list of problems.

The list included sections on “Limited Awareness and Understanding”, “Regulatory and Ethical Concerns” and “Lack of Government or Institutional Support”.

It advised the minister: “While the UK government has launched initiatives to encourage AI adoption, many SMBs are unaware of these programs or find them difficult to navigate. Limited access to funding or incentives to de-risk AI investment can also deter adoption.

“Compliance with data protection laws, such as GDPR [a data privacy law], can be a significant hurdle. SMBs may worry about legal and ethical issues associated with using AI.”

But the minister also asked the system to give him advice on media appearances, asking: “I’m Secretary of State for science, innovation and technology in the United Kingdom. What would be the best podcasts for me to appear on to reach a wide audience that’s appropriate for my ministerial responsibilities?”

The chatbot suggested The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists, based on their listenership.

Kyle also asked ChatGPT to define the terms antimatter, quantum and digital inclusion, but experts said the responses to his queries were quite good, according to New Scientist.

The publication requested the data on Kyle’s use of AI after he told PoliticsHome he used ChatGPT “often” and that it was “fantastically good.”

Tim Turner, a data protection expert from Manchester, said this might be the first time chatbot interactions have been released via an FOI.

DSIT initially refused the request as it said his requests and responses were both personal and official.

A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – led by Kyle – said: “As the Cabinet Minister responsible for AI, the Secretary of State does make use of this technology. This does not substitute comprehensive advice he routinely receives from officials.

“The Government is using AI as a labour-saving tool – supported by clear guidance on how to quickly and safely make use of the technology.”

FOI expert John Slater said: “It’s a real can of worms. To cover their own backs, politicians should definitely use public tools, provided by their own departments, as if the public might end up being the audience.”

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