The minister responsible for artificial intelligence (AI) turned to ChatGPT for policy advice, it has emerged.
Science and tech secretary Peter Kyle asked the AI chatbot why small businesses in the UK were slow to adopt the technology, records show.
Mr Kyle also asked the software which podcasts he could appear on to reach the widest audience possible, and for definitions of terms such as “quantum” and “digital inclusion”.
Records obtained under freedom of information laws by the New Scientist magazine show Mr Kyle asked ChatGPT: “I’m secretary of state for science, innovation and technology in the United Kingdom. What would be the best podcasts for me to appear on to reach a wide audience that’s appropriate for my ministerial responsibilities?”
The chatbot suggested The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists based on their number of listeners.
It comes after a January interview with Mr Kyle in which he said he often uses ChatGPT “to try and understand the broader context where an innovation came from, the people who developed it, the organisations behind them”.
He told PoliticsHome: “ChatGPT is fantastically good, and where there are things that you really struggle to understand in depth, ChatGPT can be a very good tutor for it.”
Sir Keir Starmer recently set out plans to “mainline AI into the veins” of the British state, saying it offers a “unique chance” to boost growth and raise living standards.
On Thursday the PM said it could help the government unlock £45 billion in efficiency savings, replacing or streamlining the work of civil servants.
He said: “AI is a golden opportunity. You will already be thinking about how you use it in your work.
“That’s an opportunity we are determined to seize. So we are going to get the best of best on AI working across government. I’m going to send teams into every government department with a clear mission from me to make the state more innovative and efficient.”
Responding to Mr Kyle’s question about why businesses have been slow to adopt the technology, ChatGPT cited factors such as “limited awareness and understanding”, “regulatory and ethical concerns” and “lack of government or institutional support”.
“While the UK government has launched initiatives to encourage AI adoption, many [small and medium businesses] are unaware of these programs or find them difficult to navigate,” it said.
“Limited access to funding or incentives to de-risk AI investment can also deter adoption.”
A government spokesperson said: “As the Cabinet Minister responsible for AI, the Secretary of State does make use of this technology. This does not substitute comprehensive advice he routinely receives from officials.
“The Government is using AI as a labour-saving tool – supported by clear guidance on how to quickly and safely make use of the technology.”