Generative AI is reshaping administrative procedures, reducing user costs but overwhelming systems with AI-generated requests, as seen in the UK and France.
AI reduces user costs for administrative requests
Generative AI is helping users reduce the cost of drafting administrative requests, such as complaints or appeals. This includes requests for document disclosure and submissions to administrative courts. In the UK, a service called ObjectNow claims it can generate a detailed objection to a development project in three minutes.AI-generated texts flood administrative systems
According to a study published on arXiv in 2026, AI-generated texts are increasingly being submitted to government services. The study examined 2,288 public services across twelve countries, including France, and found that in 87% of the 84 cases analyzed, individuals submitted texts generated by AI. The study does not establish causality but notes the rise in complexity and volume of requests.France sees rising administrative case numbers
In France, the number of administrative cases has increased significantly. In 2025, administrative courts recorded 334,706 cases, a 20% increase from 2024. The backlog also rose by 21.7%. The Conseil d'État, a key administrative body, warned that AI could further burden the system by facilitating more requests. Some courts have already ruled against AI-generated requests.Other countries implement response measures
In Scotland, the government has taken steps to limit the impact of AI-generated requests. The Energy Consents Unit no longer accepts objections by email, citing a surge in AI-generated content. The Scottish Information Commissioner reported a sharp rise in appeals, with some individuals submitting 120 AI-generated requests in two months. A new rule limits the number of ongoing appeals per applicant.France lacks specific AI response policies
French law allows authorities to reject requests deemed abusive or disruptive, but there is no specific policy addressing AI-generated submissions. The code of relations between the public and administration (CRPA) allows for rejecting requests that impose an unreasonable burden on the administration. However, no French text or opinion explicitly addresses the unique challenges posed by AI-generated requests.AI tools are used but not for decision-making
Internal AI tools are being used in France for sorting and preparing cases, but the final decision always rests with human agents. This aligns with legal rulings that prevent automated decision-making in administrative processes. For example, the Constitutional Council ruled that decisions made by algorithms must still be reviewed by humans.Administrative AI initiatives and cost considerations
France has launched several AI initiatives to handle administrative tasks, such as sorting cases for the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy (CNSA). However, the government estimates that regulatory and procedural costs account for at least 3% of GDP. Generative AI may help reduce the cost for users, but the impact on request rates remains unclear.Recommendations for governments
The study authors recommend that governments systematically audit the exposure of their services to AI-generated requests and clarify legal boundaries for each type of response. In France, no such audit or official policy has been made public, and the impact of AI on administrative procedures remains an open question.
