UK public bodies face deluge of AI-generated correspondence

UK public bodies including members of parliament, local authorities, lawyers, and schools are facing an onslaught of artificial intelligence-generated correspondence. The Guardian reported that these institutions are receiving high volumes of grievances, requests, and legal challenges created using AI tools. [1]

Staff members report that processing the incoming digital mail has become increasingly difficult. Hollie Wickens, a senior caseworker in a Labour MP's office, told the Guardian that half of the emails received by the office are now some form of AI, creating complex and time-consuming workloads. [1]

Wickens stated that the volume of automated correspondence began as a trickle in 2024 before growing into a daily onslaught. The generated emails have made public complaints and formal requests significantly more complicated to read and respond to, according to the Guardian. [1]

The issue follows previous public sector friction involving modern technology and local governance. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Limerick City and County Council recently faced criticism after using an artificial intelligence video to promote local Christmas events, leading the council to disable comments on social media. [3]