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Tuesday, 12 August 2025

HMRC NarkBot



HMRC uses AI to spy on social media posts


HMRC has admitted for the first time that it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to spy on taxpayers’ social media posts.

The tax authority examines workers’ financial records, spending habits and tax returns to look for evidence of cheating – as well as posts on the internet.

Social media posts about a large purchase or expensive holiday could trigger a red flag if the user seems to be spending beyond their means.



Gosh, does this mean my holiday on Mars could be picked up by the all-seeing HMRC NarkBot? I had to abandon the idea of gold-plating the shed roof this year to pay for it though. My pension 'extras' don't yet stretch that far.

Not that NarkBot is likely to scour this shady little corner of the interweb, but it does suggest how lots of social media folk could have fun providing a deluge of even more wildly improbable entertainment.

9 comments:

DiscoveredJoys said...

Either stop using social media entirely (probably good for your mental health too) or go 'Spartacus' and encourage everybody to include fictional tales of gold plated bathrooms or your delight with 'your' Bentayga Extended Wheelbase SUV.

dearieme said...

A pal tells me that rather than having all his SIPP subject to Death Duties he withdrew the tax-free lump sum and spent it on hols. Take that!, Ms Reeves.

Tammly said...

Yes by golly, there could be shed loads of pranks and japes to be had!

A K Haart said...

DJ - stop using social media entirely seems to be the sane option. I don't use it, but Mrs H tells me there is an enormous amount of improbable garbage on Facebook.

dearieme - or buy a motorhome, follow the lead of GPs and work part time then have lots of hols.

Tammly - let us hope so, making fun of what they do is a useful tactic.

Bucko said...

I never put a large purchase or holiday on social media where I can be identified, as some scrote is likely to come round and rob me blind.
To be honest, I never considered HMRC would be watching my posts so they could do the same

A K Haart said...

Bucko - I reckon a few posts with a personal poverty theme should confuse them enough to go away.

Peter MacFarlane said...

Indeed, they can’t take away the holidays you’ve already been on, or the wine you’ve already drunk.

On a more sinister note, how exactly are they planning to “review our spending habits”?

Bucko said...

Good idea A K. A few pictures of my socks might help

A K Haart said...

Peter - yes, that's the sinister aspect and the prospect of CBDC makes it even more sinister.

Bucko - don't let on that you have matching pairs though.