Meta has made significant strides in its effort to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into Britain’s public sector, awarding development funding to projects aimed at reducing NHS accident and emergency (A&E) waiting times.
The move comes as Silicon Valley firms, including Palantir and Microsoft, vie for influence in UK government operations.
The tech giant hosted its first European “hackathon” in London, drawing over 200 programmers to explore applications of its open-source Llama AI system in public services.
A senior Meta executive described the event as “focused on the priorities of the Labour party,” signalling alignment with the UK’s political landscape.
Meta’s Bid for Collaboration
Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs and former UK deputy prime minister, addressed the hackathon, alongside AI minister Feryal Clark. Clark championed AI’s potential to enhance government services, saying:
“Government can adopt AI, such as Meta’s open-source model, to support our key missions.”
When questioned about Meta’s motivations for providing free AI technology, Clegg acknowledged the long-term benefits for the company.
“It is indirectly in our interest to foster a Llama-based innovation ecosystem. This makes it easier to reintegrate external innovations into our own products,” Clegg said.
The NHS-focused funding follows similar agreements between other tech giants and the UK government.
Microsoft recently signed a five-year deal to provide its AI Copilot tools to civil servants, while Palantir has reportedly lobbied key government figures, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, to adopt its systems.
Balancing Opportunity with AI Safety Concerns
The rapid adoption of AI in public services has sparked debate over safety and due diligence. Critics warn that government departments may lack the expertise or capacity to manage risks. However, Clegg dismissed fears as exaggerated:
“Who knows, maybe AI will want to turn us into paper clips by next Tuesday, but the technology is far more primitive than many fear,” he remarked.
Clark, representing the government, assured that while regulation would address AI’s risks, it would remain “proportionate, supportive of innovation, and not overly burdensome on business.”
Tech Giants’ Expanding Influence
The push to integrate Meta’s AI into UK services highlights the increasing influence of technology companies. Secretary of State for Science and Technology Peter Kyle admitted that tech firms’ investments in innovation far outstrip those of the British government.
“We are applying a sense of statecraft usually reserved for dealing with other states to these companies,” Kyle stated.
Clegg used the opportunity to distance Meta from controversial practices on platforms like Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), particularly in handling harmful content.
“Our practices are completely different. Figures like Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate, who caused issues during the UK riots, are banned from our platforms. This is not the case on Telegram or X,” he emphasised.
Meta’s initiative reflects a broader Silicon Valley strategy to cement its role in public sector innovation, despite growing concerns over corporate influence and AI safety. As competition intensifies, how the UK government navigates this relationship may shape the future of its public services.
