AI and Public Services

AI and Public Services

Author: UCL Political Science February 13, 2025 Duration: 42:48

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being touted as a game-changer across various sectors, including public services. But while AI presents significant opportunities for improving efficiency and effectiveness, concerns about fairness, equity, and past failures in public sector IT transformations loom large. And, of course, the idea of tech moguls like Elon Musk wielding immense influence over our daily lives is unsettling for many.

So, what are the real opportunities AI offers for public services? What risks need to be managed? And how well are governments—particularly in the UK—rising to the challenge?

In this episode, we dive into these questions with three expert guests who have recently published an article in The Political Quarterly on the subject:

Helen Margetts – Professor of Society and the Internet at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, and Director of the Public Policy Programme at The Alan Turing Institute. Previously, she was Director of the School of Public Policy at UCL.

Cosmina Dorobantu – Co-director of the Public Policy Programme at The Alan Turing Institute.

Jonathan Bright – Head of Public Services and AI Safety at The Alan Turing Institute.

 

Mentioned in this episode:


Ever wonder what happens when sharp academic minds turn their focus to the headlines? UCL Uncovering Politics pulls back the curtain on the forces shaping our world, straight from the heart of one of the world's leading universities. This isn't a lecture series, but a series of conversations where complex ideas about power, culture, and society are made accessible and urgent. You'll hear researchers from UCL's Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy dissect everything from voting behaviour and international conflict to the philosophy underlying our social structures, connecting rigorous scholarship directly to current events. Each episode feels like sitting in on a fascinating discussion between experts who are as curious about the "why" behind political phenomena as they are knowledgeable. The podcast serves as a direct line to cutting-edge analysis, offering depth and context that goes far beyond the daily news cycle. By spotlighting the fantastic work done within the department, it provides listeners with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the mechanics behind culture, government, and the news we consume. Tune in for a thoughtful and genuinely enlightening exploration of contemporary politics, grounded in research but always engaged with the real world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 161

UCL Uncovering Politics
Podcast Episodes
Should We Have  A Human Right Against Discrimination? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:20
In this episode of UCL Uncovering Politics, we explore one of the most foundational questions in human rights theory: Is there a human right against discrimination?While many of us instinctively view discrimination based…
Can The Law Fix Structural Injustice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:12
When we see injustice in the world, our instinct is often to look for someone to blame. We might point to a corrupt official, an unjust law, or individuals acting with harmful intent. But some of the most persistent and…
Should Politicians Always Be Truthful? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:07
Most of us want our politicians to tell the truth. In fact, research from UCL and beyond confirms that honesty is consistently ranked as one of the top values citizens expect from their elected representatives.But is tha…
Do Religious Schools Hinder Children's Autonomy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:15
Today, we’re diving into the complex and often contentious world of religious schools. Are they a threat to social cohesion and tolerance, or are they simply an expression of parental rights and freedom of religion? Some…
How Can Populists Be Defeated? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In recent years, populism has gained remarkable traction across the globe. If you see populists as leaders who stoke division and who peddle simplistic solutions that, for all their superficial appeal, cannot succeed – t…
Decision Making In The European Union [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
International organisations have become major players in global affairs, with the European Union standing out as especially powerful. But the EU’s decision-making processes often attract sharp criticism: requiring agreem…
Rewilding the University - Prof Cathy Elliott's inaugural lecture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:34
Join us to celebrate the achievements of Prof. Cathy Elliott. Recorded one day after her inaugural lecture, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career, Cathy talks about her wild approach to education.Ca…
Constitutional Reform in the UK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
Politics in the UK has been in turmoil in recent years—Brexit, Covid, movements for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rule-breaking Prime Ministers, and now the shockwaves from Donald Trump’s return to the W…
Echo Chambers, Confucian Harmony and Civility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
Echo chambers are a growing concern in today’s social and political landscape, reinforcing existing beliefs and fostering distrust. Some argue that civility isn’t owed to those entrenched in these environments, while oth…
Is Morality the Cause of Ideological Disagreement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
Polarisation is a defining feature of contemporary politics, raising concerns among many observers. People on the left and right—liberals and conservatives—often seem to inhabit entirely different worlds, holding fundame…