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As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, more and more organisations are using it to their advantage. While everyday users utilise apps like ChatGPT for leisure and to help with simple tasks, the UK government is making strides to harness this technology for their own beneficial purposes.

Accountant Rachel Harris took to TikTok where she said the government is now using this tech to identify individuals committing benefit fraud via social media. She warned: "HMRC not only watch your Instagram stories, but now they are using AI to continually scan you across all social media platforms."

Rachel further explained that the tax office is on the lookout for what's known as "lifestyle inconsistencies" in an effort to catch out fraudsters. The technology will exclusively be used in criminal investigations, HMRC has confirmed.

"This is where your posts don't match the income you have declared," she disclosed. Rachel added that HMRC has openly stated it is using the tool to scour social media profiles for information related to the purchase of luxury holidays, designer items, and new cars or properties - when your affordability based on your tax return suggests "otherwise".

She elaborated: "AI spots the red flags and then a human steps in to decide if they're going to investigate you. They already do this to match what you post to data they collect from you."

In addition to tax returns, this includes data from your bank and your employer, Rachel concluded.

An HMRC spokesperson confirmed the operations last month, advising: "Use of AI for social media monitoring is restricted to criminal investigations and subject to legal oversight."

The statement went on: "AI supports our processes but - like all effective use of this new technology - it has robust safeguards in place and does not replace human decision-making. Greater use of AI will enable our staff to spend less time on admin and more time helping taxpayers, as well as better target fraud and evasion to bring in more money for public services."

One TikTok user responded: "Do they not know that people try and present themselves in the wealthiest light on socials?"

A second person concurred: "That doesn't even make sense, people always portray their life better on social media than it is in reality so you could see someone be poor but act richer on social media and take pics beside expensive looking things they don't even own themselves."

In July, HMRC unveiled a major overhaul to the UK tax and customs system, which is set to impact 35 million people on PAYE. The new digital platform features more than 50 fresh initiatives and seeks to modernise procedures whilst simultaneously saving £50 million by reducing postal communications.

The scheme aims to harness AI technology to help customers navigate HMRC services more smoothly and guarantee that all guidance and materials from the department remain up-to-date. This will also help in spotting fraudulent paperwork during compliance inspections.

With these initiatives in place, it is expected that by 2030, a minimum of 90% of HMRC's customer dealings will be conducted digitally. James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, declared: "We are going further and faster to make HMRC fit for the 21st century, including delivering a simpler and easier system for all PAYE workers.

"By 2030, taxpayers can expect a modern and innovative HMRC with cutting-edge AI, industry-leading customer service practices, and a laser focus on delivering taxpayer value for money by ensuring everyone pays their fair share."