ON THE APPLICABILITY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN GRANTING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Abstract

The increasing use of artificial intelligence systems by the National Institute of Social Security in the analysis and granting of social security benefits has promoted significant changes in public administration, particularly regarding procedural efficiency and demand management. However, the adoption of automated decision-making in the social security field raises important concerns about the compatibility of such technology with constitutional principles and the effectiveness of access to social protection. In this context, this study aims to analyze the applicability of artificial intelligence in the granting of social security benefits, identifying its advances, limitations, and impacts on beneficiaries’ fundamental rights. The research follows a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, based on a bibliographic and documentary review of legal doctrine, legislation, and relevant case law. The findings indicate that although administrative automation contributes to reducing processing time and improving efficiency, its unrestricted use has resulted in automatic denials lacking proper justification, thereby undermining guarantees such as due process of law, the right to be heard, the right to a full defense, and human dignity. It is concluded that artificial intelligence may serve as a legitimate tool for modernizing the social security system, provided that it operates as a complement to human decision-making, in strict compliance with constitutional principles and supported by effective mechanisms of transparency, oversight, and review of administrative decisions.