Treasury calls in Blair thinktank to advise on using AI across public services

Here’s something that might surprise you — government leaders are now turning to Tony Blair’s thinktank and big tech firms to shape AI in public services. James Murray, the Treasury’s chief, recently hosted a meeting with heavy hitters like the director of AI at the Blair Institute, IBM’s chair, and execs from AI companies including Faculty AI, now part of Accenture. And get this — critics are calling it a risky move, comparing it to “inviting foxes into the henhouse,” according to Robert Booth, writing in The Guardian. The concern? These private players have big ambitions and big influence, but they’re not exactly known for public service transparency. As Booth points out, this raises questions about how much control the government really has over AI deployment. So, while tapping into industry expertise sounds smart, it also sparks a debate about who’s really calling the shots. And honestly, this is a trend worth watching — because AI could change everything, for better or worse. ((thoughtful)) The stakes are high, and the balance of power is shifting.