Social Development Minister Louise Upston. Photo: RNZ RNZ Digital reporters The government says a new law, which will allow the Ministry of Social Development to use AI to make benefit decisions, will modernise New Zealand's welfare system. The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament yesterday, rushed through the House under urgency. The law allows MSD to "approve the use of an automated electronic system by a specified person to make any decision, exercise any power, comply with any obligation, or take any other related action under any specified provision, with appropriate safeguards". The Ministry told RNZ the proposed changes would not involve the use of generative AI such as ChatGPT. Social Development Minister Louise Upston said it would reduce delays, errors and unnecessary debt, while freeing up staff to better support clients. The government said safeguards would remain in place, including human oversight and protections against bias.…