Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential for artificial intelligence to support national efforts to reduce loneliness; and what steps they are taking, if any, to develop or pilot artificial intelligence enabled interventions as part of their loneliness strategy.

Whilst there are currently no plans to use artificial intelligence in our efforts to reduce loneliness, the Government recognises the importance of using innovative approaches to address this issue.

The Government welcomes research and evidence on how artificial intelligence may be harnessed to safely support positive social connections. The government-funded Tackling Loneliness Hub recently published this blog on health innovation and the role of AI in strengthening social connection, and hosts a range of events for members to learn about novel approaches to addressing loneliness.

Our ambition to strengthen positive social connections and tackle loneliness is a key part of achieving wider government objectives to create a healthier society and more connected communities across all demographics. My department has been working hard to ensure social connection and loneliness are embedded across government policy making, including the recently published Pride in Place strategy, Men’s Health Strategy and National Youth Strategy.