To assist business users in effectively navigating the complex Gov.UK website, the UK government has recently introduced an AI chatbot based on GPT-4o technology. This chatbot aims to guide users through over 700,000 pages of government information, but initial testing results show varying performance.
During the experimental service's testing phase, the government plans to invite up to 15,000 business users to trial the service, with wider promotion expected next year. Before use, the robot will alert users to one of its main limitations, the "hallucination" issue. This refers to the AI occasionally generating false information and presenting it confidently. Despite this, the chatbot provides links for users to verify the information it provides, with a response time of approximately 7 seconds.
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In previous trials, Paul Willmott, Chairman of the government's Digital and Data Office, stated that improvements are still needed to reduce the occurrence of "hallucinations," which include the robot's responses becoming confusing or inappropriate. In the latest tests, government officials noted that the hallucinations mainly involved incorrect links or overly brief answers.
The chatbot can fluently explain certain regulations, such as those governing cannabis growers, but when asked whether cannabis is legal in the UK, it cannot provide predictions or opinions. Despite this, the robot can detail the regulations for external wall materials following the Grenfell Tower fire, but it chooses not to answer when faced with public inquiries about the tragedy. Surprisingly, the robot answered a question in Welsh during one test, showcasing its diversity.
However, the chatbot has not been fully trained on all Gov.UK documents, so some content in ministerial speeches and press releases may be missing. Additionally, developers have set "guardrails" to prevent the chatbot from responding to questions that might elicit illegal responses or share sensitive financial information. In collaboration with the government's AI safety agency, developers are continuously strengthening protective measures to prevent hackers from attempting to manipulate the chatbot.
UK Technology Minister Peter Kyle stated that the government aims to enhance the safety and reliability of public services through AI, leading the way in innovation. He noted that many outdated and trivial government procedures waste a significant amount of people's time, with the average UK adult spending the equivalent of one and a half working weeks annually dealing with public sector bureaucracy. By experimenting with new technologies, the government hopes to find new ways to save time and simplify lives.
Key Points:
🌐 The AI chatbot is designed to help business users navigate the complex Gov.UK website and is currently in the testing phase.
🛡️ The robot has "guardrail" functions to prevent the provision of inappropriate or sensitive information.
🚀 The government hopes to use AI to improve public service efficiency and reduce redundant processes.