Social Science

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have become a strategic imperative for nation-states, with governments worldwide—particularly those within the Group of Seven (G7)— prioritizing the adoption and deployment of AI systems across key areas of the public sector. G7 countries have expressed an interest in implementing AI to improve public service delivery, strengthen government efficiency, and reduce costs. However, an analysis of publicly available information concerning the use of AI applications across G7 governments reveals: (1) limited transparency about AI tool developers and vendors, which hinders the ability to assess the alignment between governments’ stated intent and the true impact of these technologies; (2) a disproportionate concentration of AI applications in security and military domains, which elevates the risk of states’ engaging in surveillance-oriented tactics; and (3) insufficient evidence that governments are prioritizing the deployment of AI in public service areas such as education, environment, housing, and healthcare as promised.