The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in local government services has become increasingly prevalent, as revealed by a comprehensive study examining 170 local councils worldwide. The investigation identified 262 instances of AI usage across various sectors, raising significant concerns about the ethical implications and lack of oversight governing these technologies.

Cities are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance public service delivery through innovations in administrative services, health care, transportation, environmental management, and public safety. Noteworthy examples include the VisitMadridGPT chatbot in Madrid, which provides personalised tourist recommendations, and Logan City's real-time AI system in Australia, which informs drivers about available parking, alleviating urban congestion.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of AI, exemplified by the Boston mayor’s office using AI-driven chatbots to facilitate contactless food delivery, effectively addressing hunger while maintaining safety. Additionally, Chicago has employed AI to analyse crime patterns, leading to a reported 25% reduction in gun violence in 2018, although it has not been without ethical controversies related to racial profiling.

Despite the encouraging applications, the study highlighted a critical lack of accountability surrounding AI deployment in local government services. As of May 2023, only 26 of the councils examined (approximately 16%) had established official AI policies. This absence of public frameworks escalates risks such as potential discrimination and ethical violations, notably in sensitive areas such as welfare fraud risk assessments, as previously demonstrated by the suspension of an AI system in Rotterdam that disproportionately flagged specific demographics as "high risk."

While there are notable instances of policy frameworks aiming to ensure fairness and transparency—such as Barcelona's AI policy with principles centred on accountability—the majority of local governments remain unregulated in their use of AI. A recent survey conducted in Australia, Spain, and the US revealed a significant disconnect between public awareness of AI technologies and the initiatives undertaken by local councils. More than 75% of individuals surveyed recognised the growing presence of AI; however, nearly half were unaware of its integration into public services, and 68% lacked knowledge of any governing policies.

The findings pose critical challenges regarding transparency and communication in local governance. As AI systems become integral to urban management, from traffic regulation to environmental sustainability, public understanding and engagement are pivotal in fostering trust and ethical oversight.

Experts involved in the research stress the importance of developing robust AI policies that emphasise ethical practices, transparency, and public involvement. Their project aims to establish guiding principles for AI integration in local governance, working with local governments across regions including Australia, the US, Spain, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia, with plans to finalise these principles by the end of 2025.

As cities grapple with the complexities of implementing AI technologies, the future hinges on how these systems are guided and managed to ensure they serve the public good without perpetuating biases or hidden agendas.

Source: Noah Wire Services