TL;DR
Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the volume of public complaints and FOI requests in Britain has increased sharply, with AI playing a significant role. Authorities report impacts on workload and decision-making, prompting concerns about future bureaucratic resilience.
British public institutions have seen a significant rise in complaints, FOI requests, and tribunal claims since November 2022, a trend linked to the proliferation of AI-generated submissions. This surge is affecting the workload of civil servants and raising questions about the future of bureaucratic processes in the UK.
Get business pricing on tech for your team
- Business-only prices and quantity discounts
- Tax-exempt purchasing
- Multiple users, one account, clear invoices
Data analyzed by Sky News shows that across multiple channels—such as water companies, local authorities, and healthcare providers—the volume of complaints and requests has increased by between 23% and 144% since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. For example, complaints to water companies have risen by 144%, and FOI requests flagged as AI-written have become common, with an initial small-scale test indicating 89% of recent requests were AI-generated.
According to a survey of civil servants, 58% report that AI-generated content from the public significantly impacts their work, describing it as overwhelming and sometimes confusing. Regulatory bodies like the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office have confirmed that AI-written FOI requests are valid, but authorities face challenges in managing the increased volume and complexity.
Internationally, similar patterns are observed, with the UK Housing Ombudsman reporting a jump from 2,600 complaints in 2022 to over 7,000 in 2025, and the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau experiencing a fivefold increase in complaints over the same period. Researchers have identified “agentic flooding,” where AI-generated submissions flood bureaucratic channels, contributing to the rise.
Britain’s Bureaucracy And The Rising Tide Of AI-Generated Paperwork
Since ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022, complaints and information requests have climbed across British public services. AI can help people make their case, while adding pressure to already busy teams.
It’s like being bombarded with correspondence at speed.Sky News · quoting civil servants
A rising tide across channels
Sky News analysis found higher volumes across several public-facing services after late 2022. The figures point to pressure across multiple routes into the state.
*The reported range across channels is 23% to 144%; the source summary does not assign the lower figure to a specific channel. Bars use a 0–144% scale.
A pattern seen elsewhere
The same period brought sharp increases in complaint volumes at two public bodies cited in the report.
| Institution | Earlier figure | Later figure | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Housing Ombudsman | 2,600 complaints · 2022 | More than 7,000 · 2025 | About 2.7× |
| US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Baseline · 2022 | Fivefold volume · 2025 | 5× |
These increases do not establish that every additional complaint was written with AI. More submissions can reflect both easier drafting and genuine public concerns.
From easy drafting to busy desks
Researchers use “agentic flooding” to describe how automated or AI-assisted submissions can arrive at scale and add to administrative load.
AI lowers the effort
People can turn a concern into a polished letter or request quickly.
Submissions multiply
More messages reach complaints teams, FOI offices and tribunals.
Staff sort and verify
Teams must assess validity, clarify details and identify what needs a response.
Capacity comes under strain
Delays, errors and higher costs become concerns if demand outpaces resources.
Volume is visible; causes are harder to measure
The longer-term effects depend on how much of the increase comes from AI, how agencies adapt, and whether the new tools improve or complicate the work.
Authorship
Detection tools are imperfect, and a flagged request is not definitive proof of AI use.
Public need
Many submissions raise genuine issues. A growing count does not make a concern less valid.
Administrative resilience
Persistent demand could test service capacity, decision quality and response times.
Policy response
Clearer guidance, simpler processes and better processing tools may help agencies adapt.
AI-written requests can still be valid
The Information Commissioner’s Office says an FOI request does not become invalid because AI helped write it. Authorities can seek clarification when needed.
Are all new submissions AI-generated?
No. Some recent requests were flagged as AI-written in a small-scale test, but the evidence does not establish that all or most new submissions use AI.
Why has paperwork increased?
AI tools make it quicker to produce clear, persuasive submissions. The rise also includes real requests and grievances from the public.
How are agencies responding?
They are managing higher volumes, checking requests and asking for clarification. Civil servants report that AI-generated content can add significant workload.
What could come next?
Authorities may refine guidance, streamline procedures and improve processing tools as they track how AI changes public communication.
Impacts of AI-Driven Bureaucratic Overload
This surge in AI-generated paperwork threatens to strain the capacity of the British civil service, potentially leading to delays, errors, and increased administrative costs. It also raises questions about the authenticity of public engagement and the ability of government agencies to effectively process and respond to citizen requests. The trend could accelerate if AI tools become more widespread and sophisticated, prompting policymakers to reconsider existing procedures and regulations.
Products Worth Considering
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station with Two 200W Solar Panels
Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station with 200W Solar Panel
Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station with 40W Solar Panel, 292Wh
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Historical and Global Trends in Bureaucratic Paperwork
For over a decade, the volume of public complaints and FOI requests in Britain remained relatively stable. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 marked a turning point, with a sharp increase in digital submissions across various sectors. Similar patterns have been documented internationally, with agencies in the US and other jurisdictions experiencing comparable surges. Researchers attribute this to AI’s ability to generate convincing, high-volume content rapidly, which citizens increasingly use to voice grievances or seek information.
Regulators and agencies have acknowledged the challenge, with the ICO issuing guidance in May 2026 stating that AI-written requests are valid but emphasizing the need for clarification and verification. Civil servants report feeling overwhelmed, comparing the influx to being “bombarded” and “arguing with ChatGPT,” highlighting the human toll behind the data.
“It’s like being bombarded with correspondence at speed.”
— Sky News, quoting civil servants
Unclear Long-Term Effects of AI Paperwork Surge
It remains uncertain how sustained this trend will be and whether government agencies will adapt their processes effectively. The reliability of AI detection tools is limited, and it is unclear if the rise in submissions is primarily AI-driven or includes a significant proportion of genuine citizen concerns. The potential for AI to ease or further complicate bureaucratic workflows in the future is still under assessment.
Future Policy Responses and Technological Adaptations
Authorities are expected to develop clearer guidelines for managing AI-generated requests and to invest in better detection and processing tools. Policymakers may also consider reforms to reduce the burden, such as streamlined request procedures or AI-specific regulations. Monitoring the evolution of AI tools and their integration into public administration will be critical over the coming years.
Key Questions
Why has the volume of complaints increased since 2022?
The increase correlates with the launch of ChatGPT and similar AI tools, which enable the public to generate large volumes of submissions rapidly and convincingly, leading to a surge in paperwork for government agencies.
Are all the new submissions AI-generated?
Not all submissions are AI-generated. While some recent requests have been flagged as such, the evidence is not conclusive. Many are genuine citizen concerns, but AI’s role in increasing volume is significant.
How are government agencies managing this surge?
Agencies are relying on AI detection tools, issuing new guidelines, and asking for clarifications. However, civil servants report feeling overwhelmed, and the capacity to handle the increased workload is under strain.
Could this trend lead to reforms in public administration?
Yes, policymakers are considering reforms to streamline processes, improve AI detection, and regulate AI-generated submissions to maintain efficiency and accountability.
What are the potential long-term impacts?
If the trend continues, it could fundamentally alter bureaucratic workflows, increase administrative costs, and lead to policy changes aimed at managing AI’s influence on public communication.
Source: Thorsten Meyer AI
