OpenAI Warns About Possible AI Interference with Elections

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As artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually incorporated into more and more aspects of our lives, concerns are also constantly being raised.

The White House has invited top technology CEOs to pass testimonies to the Senate and address AI concerns with U.S. lawmakers, in an attempt to further the technology’s advantage while attempting to prevent its misuse.

Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT has made his first appearance before a hearing titled “Oversight of A.I.: Rules for Artificial Intelligence,” in which he warned that AI might be used to interfere with election integrity.

According to a report by Reuters, Altman said; “I think we also need rules, guidelines, on what’s expected in terms of disclosure from a company providing a model,” and added that he is nervous about it. He even suggested that the U.S. consider implementing severe licensing and testing requirements for the development of AI models.

Regarding which types of AI should be subject to licensing, Altman stated that any AI model that may be able to persuade or manipulate a person’s beliefs would be a “great threshold”. He added that firms should be able to decide whether they allow their data to be used for AI training or not, a concept that is already being discussed on Capitol Hill.

Despite efforts to contain and monitor the AI phenomenon, it is undeniably almost everywhere. “There’s no way to put this genie in the bottle. Globally, this is exploding,” said Senator Cory Booker, a lawmaker concerned with how best to regulate AI. Companies all over the world, both large and small are currently working at top speed to launch their own AI systems. This is already a multi-billion dollar industry.

Amidst the excitement experts everywhere have warned that this technology can promote and worsen prejudice and misinformation, and some are even speculating that it may end humanity itself. This being said, it is good to see how seriously experts, companies and even countries are taking this issue, and treating it as it is- an important gift that can propel humanity towards a better future, but is equally dangerous if not handled with the necessary precautions and respect.