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

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.