AI agents are flooding public services with new requests

A recent report highlights a significant surge in automated requests directed at public service agencies, driven by the proliferation of AI agents. Researchers noted that while these automated systems are increasingly interacting with government portals, the vast majority of these requests are legitimate. Individuals are utilizing AI tools to navigate complex bureaucratic processes, effectively claiming benefits or services to which they are already entitled. This trend suggests that AI is lowering the barrier to entry for accessing public resources, though it also poses challenges for government infrastructure, which must now handle a higher volume of automated traffic. Experts emphasize that rather than malicious activity, this phenomenon reflects a shift in how citizens interact with public administration, leveraging technology to streamline their interactions with state systems. As agencies adapt, the focus remains on ensuring that these automated requests do not overwhelm existing digital services.