Is Artificial Intelligence a Danger or a Force for Good?

The recent DigiGov Expo 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together leading experts in the public sector tech industry. With discussions ranging from future tech trends to citizen experience, the event provided invaluable insights into the public sector landscape. That being said, it would be a shame not to revisit what was discussed! 

One of the most popular sessions of the event was the Panel Discussion ‘Is Artificial Intelligence a Danger or a Force for Good?’, which brought together leading experts in the field of AI to explore its potential impact on the public sector. Deepak Shukla, Head of AI and Data at Amazon Web Services, Lord Tim Clement-Jones, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Katherine Yesilirmak, Deputy Director for Strategy and Projects at DSIT, shared their insights on the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI. Moderated by Miranda Sharp, the panel delved into the opportunities and challenges presented by this rapidly evolving technology.

It was noted that while there's widespread excitement about AI’s potential, there's also a growing awareness of the risks involved. AI has the potential to revolutionise a wide range of industries, from healthcare to finance. For example, AI is being used to identify and bring millions of people into the formal financial system, reducing poverty. 

However, the panel also acknowledged the potential risks associated with AI, such as job displacement, privacy violations, and the creation of biased or discriminatory systems. There's a growing recognition that AI must be developed and deployed responsibly to mitigate these risks.

The panel emphasised the need for ethical guidelines and regulations to govern the development and use of AI. They stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems. There was a consensus that AI should be used to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. 

Building public trust in AI is crucial for its successful adoption. The panel discussed the need for open communication and transparency about how AI systems work. They also highlighted the importance of involving the public in the development and governance of AI.

The panel also discussed some of the specific challenges and opportunities associated with AI: 

Data privacy - The use of AI often involves the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, raising concerns about privacy and data protection.    

Bias - AI systems can be biased if they are trained on biased data. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes. 

Explainability - Some AI systems are complex and difficult to understand, making it difficult to explain their decision-making processes. 

Job displacement - There is a concern that AI could lead to job losses in certain sectors. 

Despite these challenges, the panel remained optimistic about the future of AI. They emphasised the importance of working together to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole. 

It is clear that AI has the potential to transform our world for the better, but it is essential that we approach this technology with caution and responsibility. The panel summarised noting that by working together, we can ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits everyone. 

Don’t miss the latest updates in Government Digital Transformation, register to attend DigiGov Expo 2025 which is taking place on 24th-25th September 2025 in ExCel London!