Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration: Challenges, Risks, and Governance Implications

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming public administration by enabling data-driven decision-making, automation of public services, and enhanced governance efficiency. Governments across the globe increasingly deploy AI technologies in areas such as healthcare administration, taxation, social welfare, law enforcement, and smart governance. Despite these benefits, the integration of AI into public administration introduces significant challenges and vulnerabilities related to ethics, transparency, accountability, data privacy, cybersecurity, legal frameworks, and institutional capacity. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with AI adoption in public administration. It examines data governance issues, algorithmic bias, explainability concerns, cybersecurity risks, and the implications of over-reliance on automated systems. Furthermore, the paper proposes mitigation strategies, including ethical AI frameworks, regulatory reforms, human-in-the-loop governance, and capacity building initiatives. The study concludes that while AI offers transformative potential for public governance, its responsible adoption requires robust institutional, legal, and ethical safeguards to protect public values and democratic accountability.