DWP Awards £27M AI Contract Amid Bias Concerns
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has awarded IBM a £27 million contract to explore and deploy AI technologies. However, concerns have been raised about the department's use of AI and algorithmic bias.
The DWP's use of AI, including 'tech spikes', horizon scans, and proofs of concept, has drawn criticism for lack of transparency. Campaign group Big Brother Watch has warned about biased algorithms profiling millions of people each year. A recent report found the Universal Credit Advances machine learning model 'riddled with algorithmic bias'.
The contract, called Nexus AI, is initially valued at £9 million for a year, with potential extensions of two more years at the same cost. Despite these concerns, the DWP maintains its approach to AI adoption is 'value-led, responsible, secure, and firmly human-centred'. IBM will work with the DWP to identify business problems, build beta minimum viable products, and maintain and support live products.
The DWP's use of AI, worth up to £27 million, aims to enhance its services. However, the lack of transparency and concerns about algorithmic bias highlight the need for careful consideration and robust oversight in the department's AI adoption process.
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