The UK government is testing a new generative AI chatbot to help small businesses access information more easily on GOV.UK. Up to 15,000 users can now ask the chatbot questions about business rules, taxes, and available support.
By Chris Davies – Partner
Linked from 30 business-related GOV.UK pages, the tool aims to simplify the process of finding relevant advice, providing clear and concise answers by summarizing content from multiple pages.
This experimental chatbot, built using OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology, is designed to guide users through complex topics with tailored responses. The trial’s results will help determine whether to expand its use across GOV.UK, which hosts 700,000 pages and serves over 11 million users weekly. Initial trials last year showed promising feedback, with nearly 70% of users finding the tool helpful. However, further testing was deemed necessary to enhance accuracy.
To address potential risks, strict safety measures have been implemented. These include safeguards to prevent the chatbot from handling sensitive or inappropriate queries and improvements in user onboarding and accessibility. Despite these advancements, the chatbot may still produce some errors. The current trial aims to refine the system further and explore its broader application across government services.
If you prefer to discuss your business tax questions with a real human, please do get in touch with our accountants and tax advisors.
