Written questions by Campbell.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to utilise AI to improve the productivity of the (a) public-sector, (b) NHS, (c) Civil Service and (d) Local Government in (i) Broxtowe constituency, (ii) the East Midlands and (iii) England.

AI is at the heart of the government’s plan to transform how we deliver public services and boost productivity. The AI Opportunities Action Plan outlines how we will improve these services to drive growth across the economy.A cross-government pilot of 20,000 civil servants found tools like Microsoft Copilot can save an average of 26 minutes per person per day, while a trial of AI coding saved engineers 56 minutes per day.A trial of Ambient Voice Technology in the NHS has shown a 23.5% increase in patient interaction time alongside an 8.2% reduction in appointment length. Early results with AI diagnostics showed a decreased wait time for follow-up CT scans from 6.3 to 5.6 days.Local authorities, including those in the East Midlands, benefit from GDS Local who have already engaged with over 300 local government digital practitioners on the opportunities AI brings to improve productivity, alongside the national rollout of tools like Extract, supporting more efficient local service delivery.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of age verification mechanisms on social media platforms.

Ofcom are due to publish a report on age assurance by July 2026, which will assess the effectiveness of age assurance technologies for compliance with the child safety duties of the Online Safety Act.Age assurance technologies play an important role in supporting the duties and ensuring that platforms are providing an age-appropriate experience for children on their services. Over 6,000 services are now using highly effective age assurance, and Ofcom’s analysis shows that, on average, 7.8 million UK visitors per day are accessing adult services who have deployed age assurance.

Innovation and Technology, what information her Department holds on the extent to which social media platforms collect and monetise behavioural data from users under the age of 16; and what steps she is taking to limit that practice.

DSIT does not hold information on behavioural data collected by platforms on users under the age of 16.Where data collected by social media platforms constitutes personal data, under the UK’s data protection and privacy framework, its collection and use must be lawful, fair, transparent and secure. Children should be given clear information about how their data will be used and they have the same rights as adults to access their data; request rectification; object to its processing or have it erased. Organisations offering online services directly to children must comply with the statutory Age Appropriate Design Code, and must seek parental consent to process the personal data of children under the age of 13.Organisations that fail to follow these rules are subject to investigation and enforcement by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO is required to have particular regard to the fact that children merit specific protection when their personal data is processed.

Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps to improve reliability of broadband connection in the Bramcote area.

The government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit coverage by 2032. Full-fibre technology will provide consumers with a faster but also more stable and reliable connection. People in the Bramcote area rightly expect to have the broadband connectivity they need to participate in the modern digital economy.All communication providers, including those who operate in Bramcote, are subject to statutory obligations to ensure their networks and services remain available. They must take appropriate and proportionate measures to prepare for and reduce the risks of disruption occurring and report significant incidents to Ofcom, who have powers to investigate, enforce remedial measures and fine communications providers.