Brits Fear AI Will Dehumanize Public Services – Poll Reveals Concerns Over Jobs & Privacy

A growing wave of skepticism is building in the UK regarding the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into public services. New research from Ipsos indicates that more Britons anticipate risks than benefits from AI implementation, with significant concerns centering on reduced human contact, potential job losses, and a weakening of oversight.

The Ipsos survey, conducted in December 2025 with 5,847 adults aged 16 to 75 for public services think tank Re:State and consultancy Deloitte’s annual State of the State report, reveals a public preference for the human element in crucial areas like healthcare and government administration. Over half of respondents (51 percent) expressed fears that AI would lead to less human interaction, while 50 percent worried about job displacement due to automation. Concerns about privacy and data security were also high, cited by 46 percent of those surveyed as potential risks.

The apprehension isn’t limited to any single demographic. While those aged 55 to 75 were the most pessimistic – with four in ten seeing risks compared to just 14 percent seeing opportunities – even younger adults (16 to 34) were split, with 34 percent anticipating risks versus 31 percent seeing potential benefits. 37 percent of those surveyed viewed AI as a risk to public services, compared to 23 percent who saw it as an opportunity.

This skepticism extends to the perceived impact of digitization efforts already underway. The research found that many feel digitization has made no difference to public services, and in some cases, more people believe it has made things worse than better. Almost a third of respondents felt digital technology had a negative impact on their interactions with public services, while 36 percent reported no difference, and only a fifth felt it was positive.

Interestingly, responses varied depending on the specific aspect of public service interaction. While negative sentiment was high regarding the overall impact of digitization, more people were positive than negative about its effect on receiving information, booking appointments, and achieving final outcomes. This suggests that while the overall experience is often seen as lacking, specific digital tools can be helpful.

The concerns come as the UK government is actively exploring AI applications within the public sector. Barnsley has been designated as the first “Tech Town,” receiving £500,000 in seed funding to test whether AI can address challenges facing local services. This initiative, however, appears to be proceeding with caution, given the broader public sentiment.

The potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks and free up staff time was recognized by some respondents. A third believed AI could reduce administrative work, and the same percentage saw it as a way for officials to handle more information. However, it remains an open question whether politicians will prioritize using these efficiencies to improve service delivery or to reduce staffing levels. Last year’s spending review set targets to reduce administrative spending by 16 percent by 2029-30, with over 8,500 civil servant positions expected to be eliminated over the next year.

The survey also highlighted a degree of disillusionment with the current state of public services. A majority (54 percent) anticipate that the National Health Service will worsen in the coming years, compared to only 10 percent expecting improvement. Public opinion is divided on the future of public spending, with 38 percent favoring lower taxes and borrowing even if it means reduced services, while 44 percent expect taxes and borrowing to increase.

The report underpinning these findings also revealed a surprising level of personal AI adoption within the public sector itself. One director at a combined authority admitted to using a personal ChatGPT account for work, stating, “I pay £20 for my own ChatGPT account and I use it all the time. My boss doesn’t like it, but are we supposed to trade in laptops for typewriters?” This suggests a grassroots interest in leveraging AI tools, even if official policies haven’t fully caught up.

However, not all within the public sector are convinced. One senior civil servant expressed skepticism about the transformative potential of AI, stating, “None of the AI case studies turn out to be as good as the press release, and not a single one will transform government’s cost base… There’s a naive techno-utopianism in Whitehall.” This sentiment underscores the need for realistic expectations and careful evaluation of AI projects within the public sector.

The Ipsos AI Tracker, as this research is part of, will continue to monitor public attitudes towards AI and its impact on various aspects of life, providing valuable insights for policymakers and organizations navigating this rapidly evolving technological landscape.