Balancing efficiency and public interest: The impact of AI automation on social benefit provision in Brazil

This article examines the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by Brazil's National Social Security Institute (INSS) to automate the granting of social benefits. Using audit reports from government agencies, it analyses the efficiency improvements brought about by AI, such as the speed with which benefits are granted, as well as the unintended consequences of this automation, such as the increase in the number of automatic denials and the creation of barriers for less digitally literate users, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. The research points to the need for transparency, public justification, adequate risk monitoring tools, governance design, and participation in the implementation of these systems to ensure that they serve the public interest and promote equity. The paper argues that without proper regulation and consideration of ethical principles, AI automation could exacerbate inequalities and undermine trust in public services. The authors conclude by stressing the importance of a balanced approach that weighs in both technological innovation with the public interest.