The UK government has taken a significant step towards catapulting itself into the 21st century with the announcement of a secure digital wallet to manage government-issued credentials and an AI-powered chatbot to interact with citizens. The digital wallet, set to launch later this year, will initially feature a virtual driver's license and a virtual veteran card, with more services to be added in the future.

The chatbot, dubbed 'chat-uk', has been built in collaboration with OpenAI and will be integrated into the main GOV.UK portal, which is expected to go live in 2025. Although the chat service is still in testing, the government has already opened it up to ordinary users, with Secretary of State for Technology Peter Kyle encouraging the public to test the system and provide feedback.

Kyle emphasized the importance of public testing, stating that it allows the government to "use the power, the insight, and the volume of interactions that the public can provide" to improve the system. He also acknowledged that the chat system had made mistakes during testing, such as responding in French, but noted that these errors were valuable learning experiences.

The development of these digital services comes at a critical juncture for AI advancements. The Labour government has doubled down on building an AI economy in the UK, with partnerships with private AI companies, investments in infrastructure, and a commitment to investing in AI services itself. Today, the government unveiled a range of new AI tools, including a multi-functional AI assistant for government employees called "Humphrey" and a push to build more consumer-facing AI tools.

However, concerns about AI safety and misuse remain. The UK government has previously taken a leading role in the global conversation about AI safety, and Kyle claimed that the new chatbot has not been "jailbroken" or returned false information during testing. Nevertheless, the lack of regulation and oversight in the AI sector raises questions about the potential risks and consequences of these technologies.

The UK's push for digital services also coincides with similar efforts in the US, where President Trump has launched a new government "efficiency" effort, dubbed DOGE, led by technology entrepreneur Elon Musk. Notably, Trump has repealed an executive order from his predecessor President Joe Biden that sought to reduce AI risks to government, consumers, and businesses.

The GOV.UK Wallet is designed to allow users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed. The digital driving license, in particular, is expected to improve online and offline safety, with potential applications in age verification for online services. Although the UK is not a pioneer in this area, with France having introduced a digital identity app in 2022, the government is committed to making its digital services "compelling" and "desirable" to encourage widespread adoption.

Kyle emphasized that there are no plans to make the digital wallet or other digital services compulsory, but rather to create a satisfactory experience that encourages citizens to engage with the government in new and innovative ways. As the UK continues to invest in AI and digital services, it remains to be seen how these technologies will shape the future of citizen interaction and government services.