Key facts
- UK AI minister has ordered changes to government guidance on AI use by civil servants.
- Previous guidance advised against using AI tools like ChatGPT for writing policy papers.
- The new guidance aims to provide practical advice and best practices for AI adoption in government.
The UK government, through its Cabinet Office, has issued formal guidance concerning the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools by civil servants. Initially, this guidance advised against using AI, such as ChatGPT or Google Bard, for writing policy papers or other official government documents, citing the technology's capability to produce seemingly authentic content. However, the AI minister has since ordered changes to this guidance. The updated direction aims to offer practical advice and best-practice recommendations for civil servants looking to integrate AI into their departments, as part of a broader review of AI adoption within the government. This initiative is intended to position the UK at the forefront of AI and data advancements, with the goal of enhancing public services through the collaboration of humans and machines, guided by established principles.