Brookings: For AI to improve government efficiency, safety and transparency are critical

The increasing role of artificial intelligence in government operations presents both opportunities for improved efficiency and significant risks that require careful management.

Current state of government trust: Public confidence in democratic institutions is declining across developed nations, with recent OECD surveys showing diminishing trust in government responsiveness and transparency.

• Pew Research Center polls indicate decreased satisfaction with democracy across 12 advanced economies, including the United States
• The incoming Trump administration has pledged to address government efficiency and reduce waste
• Technical advisers from the “techno-optimist” space are likely to push for AI integration in government operations

AI’s demonstrated benefits in government: Federal agencies have shown promising results from early AI implementation efforts, particularly in improving service delivery and workplace efficiency.

• The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has reduced application processing times using AI-powered classification tools
• State Department employees are using AI to streamline routine tasks like email drafting and document translation
• The Transportation Security Administration has begun integrating AI technologies to enhance airport screening processes
• Recent studies indicate AI assistance can improve output quality, save time, and increase job satisfaction across various sectors

Historical challenges and cautionary tales: Past implementation of AI in government services has led to significant problems when proper oversight and data quality were lacking.

• Australia’s Robodebt scandal resulted in incorrect debt calculations and widespread distress
• The Netherlands’ SyRI system used problematic indicators that led to discriminatory outcomes
• The UK’s visa application system was suspended due to allegations of algorithmic bias
• These cases highlight the critical importance of data quality and robust oversight systems

Human element remains crucial: Research suggests that technological efficiency alone may not be the primary driver of improved public satisfaction with government services.

• TSA customer surveys indicate that human interactions and clear communication are more important than reduced wait times
• The deployment of AI systems should complement rather than replace human judgment and interaction
• Public skepticism about AI requires transparent communication about when and how these systems are being used

Regulatory considerations: Current approaches to AI implementation in government require careful balance between innovation and risk management.

• The federal government has documented 1,757 AI use cases across agencies as of 2024
• Recent polling shows strong public support for enhanced AI testing and safety standards
• Existing guidelines and procurement processes, while sometimes cumbersome, serve important risk-mitigation functions

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and trust: The successful integration of AI in government operations will require a measured approach that prioritizes public confidence while pursuing efficiency gains.

• Clear guidelines and opt-out options should be available for AI-enabled systems
• Independent oversight and public engagement mechanisms need to be developed
• Streamlined bureaucratic processes must be balanced against necessary safety measures
• Human decision-making should remain central to government operations

Strategic implications: While AI holds significant potential for improving government operations, its implementation must be carefully managed to avoid eroding rather than building public trust. Success will require striking a delicate balance between technological advancement and maintained human oversight, with transparency and risk mitigation as guiding principles.