In a recent interview with Saül Gordillo, Professor Juli Ponce Solé of the University of Barcelona delves into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and public administration and presents his latest book, The European Union Artificial Intelligence Regulation 2024: The Right to Good Digital Administration and Its Judicial Oversight in Spain. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human empathy in governance, stating, "the reserve of humanity is key: machines are psychopaths, they have no empathy".
Professor Ponce highlights the dual challenges facing public administration: a significant wave of retirements and the rapid advancement of AI technologies. He views this convergence as an opportunity to rethink and improve public services, advocating for a balanced integration of AI that respects citizens' rights and mitigates potential risks.
Citing international incidents like Australia's Robodebt and the UK's postal service errors, Ponce warns of the dangers of over-reliance on automated systems without adequate human oversight. He underscores the necessity of transparency, especially in cases like Spain's Bosco system, where access to software code is crucial for accountability.
While acknowledging the environmental costs of AI, Ponce believes that a thoughtful combination of human judgment and machine efficiency can lead to a more effective public administration. He concludes that the future lies in leveraging AI to enhance human capabilities, not replace them, ensuring that empathy and ethical considerations remain at the forefront of public service.