Mutuality in AI-enabled new public service solutions

Abstract

This article explores the policy background of AI in ethical public services by applying the perspective of mutuality and trust to give a better understanding of the ethical evaluation of AI-enabled public services. The findings from Finnish government services emphasize that establishing governance rules arising from mutuality is not often viewed as a precursor to ethical evaluation, which was done post-facto with limited user engagement. We conclude that structured by a social mutuality framework, mutuality requires a systemic approach to ethics and active user engagement, which in turn requires an investment of time and cognitive attention by all agents involved.