New DWP rollout risks ‘serious harm’ for state pensioners

A new artificial intelligence (AI) rollout in the UK could cause “serious harm” for state pensioners. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) implementing AI technology risks “serious harm” for older generations, it has been warned by experts.

Artificial intelligence presents a “vast potential” for rejuvenating UK public services, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday. In a speech setting out the government’s plans to use AI across the UK to boost growth and deliver services more efficiently, Sir Keir said the government had a responsibility to make AI “work for working people”.

Shelley Hopkinson, head of policy and influencing at Turn2us, cautioned: “We are concerned that the historical data used to train AI may perpetuate bias and discrimination against marginalised groups.” She made the comments in an interview with The Big Issue.

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Speaking out, she said: “AI integration should be guided by consultation and transparency so that the system meets the needs of everyone and builds trust that decisions are fair and accurate”. It comes after an investigation by the Guardian found that the machine-learning programme used by the DWP to detect universal credit fraud incorrectly selected people from some groups more than others. It showed that there was bias according to people’s age, disability, marital status and nationality.

“This must come with clear accountability and safeguards to allow for challenge. AI must work for people, not against them, prioritising people’s lives and wellbeing in decision-making,” she added. Data found that 200,000 people have been wrongly investigated for housing benefit fraud and error because of poor algorithmic judgment.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle claimed that AI is “no longer the stuff of sci-fi movies and Doctor Who” while confirming the Government’s plans to expand its use earlier this week. He cited it was already being used in the NHS, in schools and in business.

He said: “A reforming Labour Government is called on to harness the white heat of scientific revolution in the interests of working people. From ending hospital backlogs to securing homegrown energy and giving children the best start in life, AI is essential to our programme of change.”

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/new-dwp-rollout-risks-serious-30789404

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