The end of discrimination?

Many see artificial intelligence as an accelerator of state modernisation. And yes, it is — when it comes to productivity and efficiency. But what social and ethical consequences does using AI in digital government have? The study “AI for the Next Generation of Public Services” makes clear: AI doesn’t just decide how administration works, but also for whom it works — and for whom it doesn’t:

1. AI can improve public services — but doesn’t automatically make them fairer

AI mainly makes administration faster. No more, no less.

2. The digital divide becomes an AI divide

No use of AI without corresponding digital skills and digital devices. Digital government will only be there for everyone if access to knowledge and technology is open to everyone.

3. Discrimination risks aren’t a marginal issue

Are AI systems automatically equal and fair? No, because they learn from data. And that data reflects social realities — including their biases. Only through targeted counter-measures and steering does AI become blind to discrimination.

What do you think? Is AI an opportunity to make administration more equal and fairer, or is there a high risk it could even reinforce discrimination?

Source: UNDP (2025): AI for the Next Generation of Public Services

Image: Joel Muniz for Unsplash

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