Choose one of the scenarios. Consider the discussion points. Determine whether or not it represents a good use of AI. Justify your decision.

Scenario 1: AI Chatbots for Citizen Inquiries

A department wants to introduce AI-powered chatbots to handle routine citizen inquiries about public services (e.g., council tax, housing support). The chatbot would provide 24/7 support, reducing the burden on customer service teams.

Discussion points

• What efficiencies or improvements could this bring?
• What risks or challenges might emerge (e.g. accessibility, accuracy, public trust)?
• What further information would you need to ensure responsible implementation?
• Does this represent a sensible use of AI?

Scenario 2: AI-Assisted Recruitment

A department is considering an AI-driven recruitment tool to screen job applications, assessing candidates against predefined criteria and ranking them for review by hiring managers. The aim is to streamline the hiring process and improve efficiency.

Discussion points

• What advantages might AI bring to recruitment?
• What are the potential risks (e.g. bias in algorithms, lack of transparency)?
• What additional information would be necessary to evaluate this decision?
• Does this represent a sensible use of AI?