In a groundbreaking decision, OpenAI has banned a developer duo for their use of its ChatGPT software in political campaigning. This unprecedented action occurred following the creation of a bot that simulated Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Dean Phillips. This development, reported by The Washington Post, highlights the escalating concerns around AI technology in political contexts.
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Matt Krisiloff and Jed Somers, ardent supporters of the Minnesota congressman, designed the bot, dubbed “Dean.Bot,” for a super PAC ahead of the New Hampshire primary.
Created by AI startup Delphi using OpenAI’s technology, the bot could engage with voters in real-time conversations. Despite a disclaimer clarifying its non-human nature, the bot raised alarms about the potential risks of AI in elections, such as being used for mass robocalls that could mislead voters.
Following the controversy, OpenAI suspended Delphi’s account, leading to the prompt removal of Dean.Bot. This incident underscores the ethical dilemmas and regulatory challenges emerging as AI becomes more intertwined with political processes, and it sets a precedent for how AI technology may be governed in future electoral campaigns.
