Summary
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK uses artificial intelligence (AI) to review social media posts as part of investigations into possible tax cheating. The AI technology assists in gathering information but does not replace human decision-making. HMRC has clarified that AI is used only in criminal investigations and not for everyday tax matters.
Key Facts
- HMRC uses AI technology to look at social media posts in criminal investigations of suspected tax cheats.
- The AI is meant to help reduce administrative work and improve the detection of fraud and tax evasion.
- Experts caution that the use of AI might lead to mistakes, such as identifying the wrong person.
- Human oversight remains a critical part of the process to ensure correct decisions.
- This AI use has been practiced for several years, though it became widely known through a recent report.
- Social media reviews are not new; they have been part of investigations for years.
- The government plans to hire 5,500 more compliance staff, indicating no job loss due to AI use.
- Other HMRC AI initiatives aim to simplify tax processes and assist taxpayers in accessing guidance.
