HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor social media posts as part of its criminal investigations targeting suspected tax evaders. The agency emphasized that AI technology will not supplant human decision-making and is subject to legal oversight. According to HMRC, the increased application of AI is aimed at allowing staff to allocate more time to assisting taxpayers and effectively focusing on fraud detection to enhance funding for public services.
Experts have expressed caution regarding the implications of utilizing AI for monitoring. Chris Etherington, a partner at accountancy firm RSM UK, noted that while AI could streamline processes and facilitate the collection of individual data, the risk of inaccuracies, such as cases of mistaken identity from fake or hacked accounts, remains a concern. Etherington stressed the need for human involvement in the decision-making process to ensure all relevant information is adequately reviewed.
HMRC stated that it has been employing AI to support its operations for several years, including its recent deployment for monitoring social media to identify tax cheats, a fact first reported by the Daily Telegraph. The agency clarified that this use is confined to criminal investigations and does not affect the general taxpayer. Historically, investigators have reviewed social media posts of individuals suspected of tax or benefit fraud; for example, a case involved a woman whose social media activity revealing long-distance running contradicted her claims of ill health for benefits.
Furthermore, HMRC is said to be expanding its AI initiatives with the goal of enhancing taxpayer services and improving guidance access, although the extent of its AI development remains uncertain. The agency has announced plans to hire 5,500 compliance staff, indicating that AI integration may not reduce job opportunities within HMRC. This introduction of AI occurs in the context of ongoing discussions about the government’s national institute for AI facing potential structural challenges.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqjyedz202ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss