The UK government has announced a major step towards modernising public services by introducing a secure digital wallet and a chatbot powered by OpenAI. The wallet, set to launch later this year, will allow you to store and manage government-issued credentials, starting with a digital driving licence and a virtual veteran card. Meanwhile, the chatbot, called “Chat-UK,” will enhance interactions with the GOV.UK portal, which is expected to go live by 2025.
What to expect from the new digital wallet
The GOV.UK Wallet is designed to simplify access to important documents by storing them securely on your smartphone. Imagine the convenience of having your driving licence and other key credentials ready to use without carrying a physical wallet.
The wallet uses advanced security features, such as facial recognition, to ensure your data remains safe even if your device is lost. Age verification for online services, which has been challenging in the past, is one area the digital driving licence aims to improve.
During a press conference in London, Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Technology, emphasised the wallet’s potential to make public services more accessible and efficient. “This isn’t about forcing anyone to use digital services,” Kyle said. “It’s about creating something so compelling and desirable that people will want to use it.”
The role of AI in transforming services
The digital wallet is part of a broader initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into government operations. The government is working closely with OpenAI to develop a range of AI tools, including “Humphrey,” a multi-functional assistant for government employees. These tools aim to improve efficiency and enable better data sharing across departments.
Chat-UK, the new chatbot, is already undergoing public testing. While some glitches have occurred — such as the bot switching to French mid-conversation — Kyle remains optimistic. “These are early learnings,” he said, adding that no serious issues like false information or “jailbreaking” have been reported during testing.
A step forward amid global AI debates
The UK’s push for digital and AI services comes as the global conversation about AI safety intensifies. Governments worldwide, including the UK, are grappling with concerns over data privacy, misinformation, and the potential misuse of AI.
Despite these challenges, the UK government is committed to fostering an AI-driven economy. This effort involves investments in data centres, supercomputers, and partnerships with private tech companies. At the same time, the need for rigorous testing to ensure new technologies serve the public effectively and responsibly is recognised.
The UK isn’t the first country to adopt digital identity solutions. France has been offering a digital ID app since 2022, providing a benchmark for the UK to follow. The focus, however, remains on creating a service tailored to the needs of UK citizens, with a strong emphasis on security and ease of use.
As the GOV.UK Wallet and Chat-UK are moving closer to full launch; the government is inviting public feedback to refine these tools. This marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards a more connected and efficient digital future.
