As you may have noticed, artificial intelligence has revolutionized many fields! And public administration is no exception.
In the global context, governments are seeking technological solutions that optimize resources and promote greater transparency and efficiency in serving citizens.
The relevance of this topic is undeniable.
The use of AI-based tools can transform the way governments provide services to the public.
From automating repetitive tasks to making more assertive decisions, AI has the potential to solve historical challenges in public administration.
The most interesting aspect is that technological advancements not only simplify processes but also expand the capacity for state action, as demonstrated by international and national experiences.
What do global examples tell us?
What we can see is that the use of AI in the public sector is not a "distant promise".
Initiatives already underway illustrate how technology can be integrated responsibly and deliver results for society.
In the United Kingdom, for example, AI models have been developed to automate up to 84% of repetitive requirements in government services, such as passport applications and voter registration.
Eg
- When applying for a passport, the system can automatically check the information on the form against government databases, such as birth records or criminal records.
- In the case of voter registration, the system can cross-reference citizens' information to confirm eligibility and prevent duplication or fraud.
This type of automation not only reduces operational costs, but also frees up time and resources so that public officials can focus on more complex and strategic tasks.
The advancement of AI in the Brazilian public sector.
Let's start by talking about the Attorney General's Office?
The Attorney General's Office (AGU) is leading a technological transformation in the Brazilian public sector through the use of artificial intelligence.
The AI assistant, based on GPT-4 and integrated into the AGU Legal Intelligence System (Sapiens), is in the testing phase and already promises to optimize tasks such as case screening, document analysis, and suggestion of legal texts.
The assistant serves as a "co-pilot" for the staff, freeing up time for them to focus on more strategic activities, such as monitoring public policies.
The focus is not on replacing, but on enhancing human work.
And at the end of the day, this means greater efficiency, more assertive decisions, and savings for the public treasury.
PrevisIA: AI in the fight against deforestation in the Amazon.
PrevisIA, developed by Imazon in partnership with Microsoft and the Vale Fund, is a revolutionary platform that uses artificial intelligence to predict and prevent deforestation in the Amazon.
Unlike initiatives that merely monitor destruction that has already occurred, PrevisIA focuses on anticipation, allowing preventive interventions to be planned more effectively.
The tool analyzes variables such as topography, land cover, illegal roads, urban infrastructure, and socioeconomic data.
Its advanced AI algorithm, operating on Microsoft's Azure cloud, identifies areas at higher risk of deforestation in the short term, using models that combine spatial and temporal information.
PrevisIA also identifies illegal roads, one of the main factors driving deforestation. Studies indicate that 95% of the accumulated destruction occurs within a 5,5 km radius of these roads.
In this way, the platform provides strategic data for public agencies and engages society in the defense of the forest, since its analyses are accessible on a public and interactive dashboard.
Based on its scientific accuracy, the tool has become an essential ally in transforming data science into practical actions to protect one of the most important biomes on the planet.
The use of AI in the Judiciary
The Brazilian Supreme Court also ushered in a new era in the modernization of the Brazilian Judiciary with the launch of MARIA.
Presented by Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, president of the Court, the initiative uses generative AI to accelerate procedures and improve the quality of legal texts, ensuring greater efficiency in meeting demands.
MARIA already operates in three main areas: creating summaries of opinions, preparing procedural reports, and conducting initial analysis of complaints.
In Extraordinary Appeals (REs) and Extraordinary Appeals with Aggravation (AREs), for example, the tool automates essential reports, speeding up the procedural flow and ensuring accuracy.
Integration with the STF-Digital electronic system allows for quick revisions and adaptations made directly by staff and justices.
In addition to providing speed, MARIA improves procedural accuracy by identifying inconsistencies in texts.
As a result, not only do public servants benefit from a reduced workload, but citizens also have access to more informed and faster decisions.
How do we deal with AI's errors and biases?
In the Netherlands, a landmark case highlighted the dangers of using biased algorithms in public administration.
An automated system has been implemented to identify fraud in social benefits related to childcare assistance.
Based on historical data and predefined criteria, the algorithm disproportionately classified families as suspects, primarily affecting ethnic minorities and socioeconomically vulnerable groups.
The result was devastating.
Thousands of families have been unfairly accused of fraud, having their benefits suspended or revoked.
Many of these people faced severe financial consequences, lost their homes, or struggled to support their children.
Furthermore, it became clear that the system was based on incorrect and biased data, reinforcing pre-existing discrimination.
Following the revelation of the scandal, a wide-ranging investigation revealed that the algorithm had violated fundamental data protection and human rights standards.
In fact, the case led to the collective resignation of the Dutch government in 2021 and generated a global debate about the risks of using artificial intelligence without adequate oversight.
Regulation and innovation must go hand in hand!
It is important to emphasize that regulation should not be seen as an obstacle to innovation. In fact, regulation should be a means of promoting it in a safe and responsible manner.
In an international context, the Artificial Intelligence Act, approved by the European Union, establishes clear parameters for the use of AI, prioritizing transparency and explanation of automated systems.
In Brazil, it is crucial that similar measures be implemented, especially regarding the creation of regulatory protocols and sandboxes.
These experimental spaces allow technological innovations to be tested under supervision, ensuring that the results are safe before their large-scale application.
Furthermore, these experiments can generate valuable lessons for the formulation of more efficient and inclusive public policies.
Professional training is a necessary step.
As you may have already noticed, training public sector professionals is a crucial step for the successful implementation of AI.
In this context, IDP stands out by offering a postgraduate course in Digital Government, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation in the Public Sector.
With a robust curriculum, the course covers topics such as generative AI, personal data protection, cybersecurity, and digital government strategies.
The combination of live classes and case studies allows students to acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them to lead digital transformations in the public sector.
Furthermore, it should be highlighted that IDP provides a unique learning experience, with access to a renowned faculty, comprehensive virtual libraries, and a cutting-edge teaching platform.
The flexibility of the classes and the personalized support from the student success team make the course an excellent option for those who want to excel professionally.
Enroll in the postgraduate program and transform your professional future.
References
Abdala, Elias. The potential of AI in the public sector: Tool can help government agencies in conducting public policies. Published on June 26, 2024. Available at: https://www.jota.info.
Vaz, Wesley. 2025: The year in which the Brazilian public sector will decide its future in the age of AI. Published on January 6, 2025. Available at: https://www.jota.info.
Barrea, Adriana. Artificial Intelligence in global Public Administration: positive indicators. Published on October 11, 2024. Available at: https://www.migalhas.com.br.
Schiefler, Gustavo. Public & Pragmatic: The use of generative AI by public administration. Published on March 17, 2024. Available at: https://www.jota.info.
Cravo, Daniela Copetti; Jobim, Eduardo. The path of artificial intelligence in the public sector. Published on March 5, 2024. Available at: https://www.jota.info.
Supreme Federal Court (STF). STF launches MARIA, an artificial intelligence tool that will make the Court's services more agile. Published on December 16, 2024. Available at: https://www.stf.jus.br.
Imazon; Microsoft; Vale Fund. PrevisIA: AI in the fight against deforestation in the Amazon. Technical summary 2024. Available at: https://www.imazon.org.br.
