[LINK] Centrelink relies on artificial intelligence

[Adam Todd]

At 08:21 25/08/2008, Roger Clarke wrote:
>At 17:03 +1000 25/8/08, David Boxall wrote:
> >>  Centrelink is using natural language-based artificial intelligence to
> >>  ensure people get the financial benefits to which they are entitled.
> >>  The intelligence forms the backbone of a business rules and compliance
> >>  software engine created by Aussie developer, Haley.
>
>Haley's predecessor, SoftLaw was doing this right through the 1990s.
>
>For example, a 2-minute Google found a timeline here:
>http://bizrules.info/weblog/2007/11/haley_rule_bursts_into_the_bus.html
>
>So what justifies an announcement in 2008, almost two decades after
>the original work?

It's called 'Fear Factor' the process of telling a society that they 
have 'beneficial' advantages with technologies they didn't know were in place.

Usually happens when something 'big' in the commercial world is about 
to happen, or some legal event is about to happen that can't take 
place unless the wider community is aware.

There may be a stock buyout, or partnership about to be announced, or 
some new client is doing diligence and this hits the media and 'Oh 
wow, they use it too' kicks in.

Legally, it may be that the 'unknown' process becomes dubious in the 
court room, but when there is media coverage about something, even a 
day old, it's all above board and good news for the party using it.

>Note that I'm not expressing doubts about the *substance* of the
>claims.  (I'm an inveterate AI sceptic, and with very good reason.
>But I've never evaluated the SoftLaw work;  and many years back it
>did seem to be making a lot more headway than most AI-based projects).

I did some evaluation.  Was very interesting.

>To follow David's theme then, how about:
>
>'Media fail to use any form of intelligence in vetting media release' ?

Why?  It's effortless publication!