OpenAI suspended the access of users who utilized ChatGPT to promote AI political candidates, citing a violation of the company's policies.
The company spotted an election filing for two AI political candidates based on a customized chatbot from OpenAI.
Wyoming Citizen Files Mayoral Candidacy for AI Chatbot
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, Victor Miller filed paperwork for his customized AI chatbot to run as a mayor. According to Miller, his chatbot will utilize OpenAI to create political decisions to govern the city.
"I think it could add a layer to help a town. I really want to see that happen," he added. Miller also shared that AI has helped him personally in various ways which prompted him to develop a political candidate chatbot.
OpenAI addressed the issue and immediately removed Miller's access to the tool to prevent him from interacting with voters and promoting VIC, short for "virtual integrated citizen," as a candidate.
OpenAI Fights Against AI Candidates
The AI company's website states that any engagement in political campaigns and lobbying is prohibited. The Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray shared that he is monitoring Miller's bid for mayor.
The secretary also clarified that an AI chatbot is not qualified to run for office since candidates must be one, emphasizing that it should be a real person.
As of writing, OpenAI announced that VIC is officially removed from their system. However, Miller claimed that his chatbot still works on his ChatGPT account. He also plans to introduce the bot to the public and have a Q&A segment with voters.
In the U.K., OpenAI also took a similar action against another candidate. According to reports, Steve Endacott, chairman of Neural Voice, has been utilizing an AI chatbot to answer queries from voters.
