‘INDEFENSIBLE’ – that is how a councillor has described Coventry City Council’s (CCC) decision to sign a one-year £500,000 artificial intelligence contract with a controversial US data technology company. The company has drawn criticism for its roles in Israel’s military operations, health data privatisation, and mass deportation efforts in the USA. She added: “The decision is heinous, especially when the council has made cuts to public and voluntary sector services, including local charities and libraries. At a time when services are already under strain, Coventry needs more secure, well-paid jobs – not fewer. “The technology offers huge potential, such as enabling social workers and special educational needs professionals to spend less time on paperwork and more time directly supporting children who are vulnerable or have special needs.”