AI apps like ChatGPT can play a role in Whitehall, says | ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence systems such as ChatGPT could play a role in Whitehall and represent a “huge opportunity”, the new science secretary has suggested.

Michelle Donelan, who took on the new role following a reshuffle of the Department of the Prime Minister last month, said the civil service would need to rely on its own experts, but did not rule out a role for artificial intelligence in the future.

ChatGPT can generate articles, essays, jokes, poems and job applications in response to text messages. OpenAI, a private company backed by Microsoft, made it available to the public for free in November.

It can answer questions in a human-like manner and understand the context of follow-up queries similar to human conversations, as well as compose long-form writing when requested.

Donelan, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, told the Sunday Telegraph: “I think these types of technologies will create a whole new phase of jobs in areas that we haven’t even thought of and where it’s going to lead. . we are limitless.

“We have to get involved. Of course, regulation and safeguards are needed. But we should never fear these technologies.

“We need to embrace them and use them so they can lead to job creation here in the UK.”

Asked about its use in the public service, he said: “We need to think about what is the use of ChatGPT, just like any other organisation.

“I think we need to look at these things — I think when we look at any form of technology, we don’t have to think about how it replaces someone’s job or how it replaces an individual’s functions.

“When you look at how this kind of technology can be used by teachers or hospitals, you can think about how AI and other technologies can reduce the administrative burden on individuals so they can continue to do the work they’ve been hired to do. do.”

Earlier this week, the International Baccalaureate announced that school students will be able to quote content created by ChatGPT in their essays.

The IB, which offers an alternative qualification for A-levels and seniors, said students can use the chatbot but must be clear when quoting its answers.

According to analysts, ChatGPT reached 100 million users in February, just two months after its launch.

According to the analysis of the Similarweb data service company, in January it had approximately 590 million visitors out of 100 million unique visitors.

Analysts at investment bank UBS said the growth rate was unprecedented for a consumer app.

By comparison, TikTok took about nine months to reach 100 million users after its global launch, and Instagram needed more than two years, according to data from Sensor Tower, an app analytics firm.