Characterizing Agentic Flooding of Government Services

2026-08-17

AI Summary

This study addresses the systemic overload of government services caused by AI agent-induced flooding. Pioneering the concept of "agent flooding," this research constructs a risk matrix to assess exposure levels and conducts empirical analysis integrating multi-jurisdictional case studies with policy mapping. The findings reveal current flooding patterns, identify high-risk services, and propose mitigation strategies that ensure equity without performance trade-offs, alongside actionable short-term recommendations. By bridging the governance gap in AI-mediated public service delivery, this work establishes a systematic framework combining theoretical innovation with practical guidance for managing emerging digital risks. Ultimately, it provides critical support for enhancing the resilience of government infrastructure against novel technological disruptions.

Abstract

AI agents are making it easier for the public to interact with government, such as by helping them apply for benefits, understand complex policies, and make their opinions heard. Although improving service accessibility is beneficial, any resulting surges in demand could strain unprepared government services. We term such surges agentic flooding of government services ("flooding") and provide three contributions. First, based on a collected dataset of 84 potential cases of flooding across 11 jurisdictions, we posit that flooding is likely occurring widely today, mostly through large language models (LLMs) generating text cheaply. Second, we evaluate what services are most exposed to flooding. We develop a risk matrix to analyze a service's exposure, and suggest that near-term risk is highest for financially attractive, but complex services. Finally, we map possible government responses to flooding. Precedent suggests these responses will likely be sufficient to stop most cases of flooding, but the fastest to deploy - friction-inducing measures like fees - often trade off equitable access to public services. Accordingly, we close by recommending near-term actions that may allow governments to mitigate flooding without invoking this trade-off.

Problem

• Agentic Flooding
• Government Services
• AI Agents
• Large Language Models
• Service Accessibility

Innovation

• Agentic Flooding
• Risk Matrix
• LLM-generated Text
• Government Service Exposure
• Equitable Access Trade-off