Peter Kyle reveals why he used ChatGPT to ask about policy | The Argus Report
A local secretary of state has corrected claims that he used ChatGPT to advise on government policy. Peter Kyle, the secretary of State for science, innovation, and technology, clarified to The Argus that media reports about his AI usage in government lack context.
Peter Kyle says he is not a 'technophobe' (Image: PA Wire)
On March 13, an article was published in New Scientist with the headline "How the UK tech secretary uses ChatGPT for policy advice" following a Freedom of Information request asking for his records using the AI software.
The Hove and Portslade MP explained that he used ChatGPT in a light-hearted conversation with his officials, emphasizing that the use of AI aligns with his role and responsibilities. "I did a podcast interview with Robert Peston, and I was asked if I use ChatGPT. I simply said, yes," Mr. Kyle told The Argus.
"After that interview, some journalists from New Scientist submitted a Freedom of Information request about what I had asked ChatGPT in the past, and I chose to release the information. When it was released, I had asked it policy questions, and then also media-related questions. However, the media coverage that followed lacked context," he added.
Use of OPENAI as a Tool
The secretary of state further explained that he would use OPENAI as a tool to cover a wide range of topics and analyze the information it generates. This exercise was conducted in the presence of civil servants to promote the use of AI as an aiding tool.
For instance, one of the searches he released was about the best podcasts he should engage with as the secretary of state for science, innovation, and technology. This question arose during a briefing from his press team, and when no answers were provided, he turned to ChatGPT for assistance.
The secretary of state encourages the use of AI and ChatGPT as a tool to aid (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Use of ChatGPT to Support Work
Peter Kyle clarified to his team that his use of ChatGPT was not to replace jobs but to support their work effectively and efficiently. "It was a serious point because it provided results in seconds," he emphasized.
He highlighted the importance of leveraging technology like AI in his position and dispelled any notion of being a technophobe. Drawing parallels, he mentioned the significance of using tools like the NHS for a health secretary and the education system for an education secretary.
"It would be completely absurd for a technology secretary not to use AI or ChatGPT. Some people seem to expect me to become a technophobe for some reason, but that's not how I approach these things," he concluded.
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