Facing the challenges

By Julene Marr

In the previous article, we explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI), interoperability, and advanced consent management have the potential to revolutionise service design within Aotearoa's government services. The vision is compelling: public services that are globally informed, seamlessly connected, and individually controlled. However, to realise this promise, it is important to realistically acknowledge and work through challenges. Ignoring AI or the obstacle(s) for its use is unlikely to be a feasible option; as standing still and not adopting and adapting to this new capability will mean falling behind, leaving our communities underserved, and increasingly inefficient, and ineffective models for delivering services to a growing population.

Acknowledging the limitations – AI, interoperability and consent

While AI and related technologies offer immense potential, they are not without limitations:

AI's current limitations:

• Data bias and ethics: AI systems can perpetuate existing biases present in their training data, leading to unfair outcomes - especially affecting marginalised groups, including Māori and Pasifika communities.
• Lack of transparency: complex AI models often operate as "black boxes," making it difficult to understand how decisions are made.
• Integration challenges: implementing AI into existing systems requires technical expertise and resources that may be scarce.

Consent management complexities:

• Technological complexity: attribute-level consent management is sophisticated and may be challenging to implement effectively.
• User experience concerns: overcomplicating consent processes can lead to user disengagement, particularly among those less familiar with digital technologies, including some of our kaumātua.
• Regulatory compliance: keeping up with evolving privacy laws demands constant vigilance and adaptation.

Interoperability hurdles:

• Lack of standardisation: differing data standards hinder seamless integration between systems.
• Legacy systems: outdated infrastructure can be incompatible with modern interoperability solutions.
• Security risks: increased connectivity can expose systems to cyber threats, potentially compromising sensitive information.

Data quality issues:

• Inconsistent data: poor data quality leads to inaccurate insights and undermines trust.
• Data silos: organisational barriers prevent the free flow of information necessary for effective AI and interoperability.

The imperative to innovate

These challenges might seem daunting, but they are not insurmountable. In fact, they present opportunities for innovation and collaboration within and between agencies providing public services.

Overcoming challenges in interoperability and privacy

Historically, achieving interoperability between government departments has been challenging due to differing systems and concerns over data privacy. AI and modern interoperability solutions, combined with advanced consent management, offer:

• Seamless and secure data integration: advanced algorithms reconcile different data formats, enabling departments to share information without overhauling existing systems. Consent management tools ensure that data sharing respects individual privacy choices.
• Enhanced collaboration with privacy assurance: agencies can collaborate more efficiently, knowing that data sharing complies with privacy regulations and individual consent. This reduces legal risks and enhances public trust.
• Risk mitigation: simplifying technical and privacy challenges reduces project timelines and costs, making integration efforts more manageable and sustainable.

Addressing risks and ensuring ethical implementation

While these advancements offer substantial benefits, it's crucial to address potential challenges:

• Complexity of consent management: implementing consent management at the attribute level can be complex. Organisations must invest in systems that are user-friendly and transparent.
• Data security: enhanced control over data sharing necessitates robust security measures to protect personal information.
• Change management: successfully integrating these technologies requires careful planning and support to manage organisational change.

Enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and individual control

AI, interoperability, and improved consent management significantly boost efficiency while empowering individuals:

• Streamlined processes: AI reduces the time required to interpret vast amounts of information. Interoperability automates data sharing, and consent management tools ensure that data is shared in line with individual preferences, reducing the administrative burden of managing permissions.
• Breaking down silos: interoperability facilitates seamless communication between government departments that have traditionally operated in isolation. AI enhances this by providing insights that benefit multiple agencies.

Addressing these challenges isn't the responsibility of a single entity. It requires a concerted effort and collaboration across government agencies, private sector partners, iwi organisations, academia, and the community.

Conclusion

The challenges we face in implementing AI, interoperability, and advanced consent management are significant but surmountable. By recognising and addressing these obstacles, we can innovate and adapt, ensuring that our services not only keep pace with global advancements but also set new standards for excellence in Aotearoa.

Standing still is not an option. As consumer expectations continue to rise, we must be proactive in enhancing our services to maintain public confidence and trust. By doing so, we uphold our commitment to serve our communities effectively, ensuring that everyone benefits from the transformative potential of these technologies.