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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Robert Booth UK technology editor

AI prototypes for UK welfare system dropped as officials lament ‘false starts’

Keir Starmer speaking at a lectern with 'a Plan for change' sign
The prime minister, Keir Starmer, introducing his AI action plan at University College London. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters

Ministers have shut down or dropped at least half a dozen artificial intelligence prototypes intended for the welfare system, the Guardian has learned, in a sign of the headwinds facing Keir Starmer’s effort to increase government efficiency.

Pilots of AI technology to enhance staff training, improve the service in jobcentres, speed up disability benefit payments and modernise communication systems are not being taken forward, freedom of information (FoI) requests reveal.

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