The U.K. is stepping into the future with a new digital wallet and an AI chatbot to make government services more accessible. The wallet will let people store and use IDs, like driver’s licenses and veteran cards, right on their phones. The chatbot, built with OpenAI, will help users navigate the GOV.UK portal. The digital wallet is set to launch later this year, with the chatbot and full GOV.UK portal going live in 2025. Officials are already testing the chatbot, and while it’s still a work in progress—like the time it started speaking French mid-test—they’re optimistic about its potential. “It’s crucial for the public to engage early so we can refine these tools,” said the U.K.’s tech secretary during a recent press conference. This move comes as the U.K. doubles down on its AI investments, aiming to build a strong AI economy. The government is also developing other AI tools, including an assistant for employees called “Humphrey” and plans for more consumer-facing AI services. But there are still concerns about AI safety, like privacy, job impacts, and misuse. The U.K. has been a leader in global AI safety discussions, but balancing innovation with protection remains a challenge. The digital wallet promises convenience and security, using facial recognition and other smartphone features to keep documents safe, even if a device is lost. It’s part of a broader effort to modernize government services, joining similar initiatives worldwide. With these developments, the U.K. is embracing technology to make life easier—one virtual ID and chatbot response at a time. ---