GovTech stories

AI agents surge into big business with scant oversight, leaving governance, security and trust frameworks struggling to keep pace.

Governments are taking a cautious, experimental approach to AI, prioritising public trust, security and stability over rapid innovation.

Aurigo warns surging AI demand will strain US grids, water and permits by 2026, forcing agencies to adopt real-time, data-led planning.

In 2026, AI shifts from dazzling pilots to disciplined performance, as trust, governance and human oversight overtake speed of deployment.

Monzo launches free HMRC-recognised in-app tax filing for sole traders and landlords, ahead of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in 2026.

ICS.AI launches UK public sector AI model promising guaranteed savings, citing Derby City Council’s projected GBP £12 million benefit.

Hayo upgrades its National Mobile Registry with real-time tools to detect SIM swap fraud, stolen phones and illegal devices on networks.

Instabase appoints Omkar Pendse to spearhead product and technology as it doubles down on AI workflow automation after $100 million raise.

3DiVi urges cities to phase in facial recognition for CCTV after most operators report surprise spikes in false matches once systems go live.

AI document tools slash manual workloads at Wellington City Council and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, boosting compliance and payment speed.

Boroondara selects Datacom Datascape to overhaul property, rates and permits systems, aiming for streamlined services and future AI automation.

The UK Ministry of Defence has deepened its Oracle cloud ties to modernise legacy systems, boost AI adoption and treat data as a core asset.

Coralogix enlists US Federal Student Aid to sponsor its FedRAMP bid, targeting first-mover status in AI observability for federal buyers.

UK councils ramp up AI spending to boost efficiency and services, but poor strategy and complexity risk wasting taxpayers’ money.

Globalstar and Skydio trial Band n53 private 5G for drones, eyeing safer public safety missions and uplink-heavy autonomous operations.

Renfrewshire’s AI adviser Millie cuts calls, saves GBP £110,000 and wins awards, as Scotland is hailed a model for council services.

Isle of Man opens 2026 Innovation Challenge to global health tech teams, offering a testbed to trial tools for care at home and in communities.

AI-powered fraud is rising across UK public services as most fraud teams admit they lack the tools, skills and systems to keep up.

New Zealand firms plan bigger tech budgets as optimism grows, shifting AI from pilots to scaled deployments despite talent and cyber strains.

New UK platform FOLO-UP uses AI to flag unsafe products on major online marketplaces, pressuring retailers to pull dangerous listings.