DSIT has unveiled new records which show how AI is being used by government departments and agencies to provide reliable and quicker services to the public and businesses.

The records show the inner workings of algorithmic tools being used to help public services to support citizens, make quick and accurate decisions, and drive forward the use of technology to improve government services and cut backlogs.

The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) records show how the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is using AI to more quickly provide Britons with information when they need help abroad and the Ministry of Justice is using algorithms to help researchers better understand how people interact with the justice system.

They also reveal that the Department for Business and Trade is using an algorithmic tool to predict which companies export goods to other countries, in turn driving economic growth and supporting the government’s Plan for Change. Officials are then able to make decisions about which companies they reach out and offer help to, so high potential exporting businesses can reach more international customers quickly. Before the tool was introduced, officials had to manually search through data on the over 5 million companies registered on Companies House.

Science secretary Peter Kyle said: "Technology has huge potential to transform public services for the better, we will put it to use to cut backlogs, save money and improve outcomes for citizens across the country.

"Transparency in how and why the public sector is using algorithmic tools is crucial to ensure that they are trusted and effective. That is why we will continue to take bold steps like releasing these records to make sure everyone is clear on how we are applying and trialing technology as we use it to bring public services back from the brink."

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "Our Plan for Change will deliver economic growth, and for that to succeed we need to support companies across the UK to realise their full potential when it comes to exporting around the globe.

"Our use of AI plays a vital and growing role in that mission, allowing high-growth businesses to maximise the export opportunities available to them, while ensuring that we are using taxpayers’ money responsibly and efficiently in delivering economic stability."