(WatchDogReport.org) – ChatGPT is a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can write programs, songs, articles, outlines, and more by using a prompt input by the user. While some might look at the advancement with excitement, others view it with trepidation. After all, if programs like ChatGPT can use data to develop creations typically completed by humans, what does that mean for the future? Now, US lawmakers are weighing in on the new tool and bringing up questions that, if not properly addressed, could have the potential to affect the country.
Congressional Worries
According to Newsmax, ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, already has over 100 million monthly users, and it only just launched a couple of months ago. The news outlet stated that legislators have concerns about what the program’s popularity and power means for education and national security. On January 23, Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA) wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times, relaying his thoughts on the world of AI technology. He wrote about the positive uses of programs like ChatGPT, and he shared his views on the dangers. To get his point across, he began his piece with an introduction written by the very AI program he was discussing. It was stellar.
The legislator talked about the possible impact on education, questioning how teachers will now differentiate between AI-generated projects and those created by students. Lieu also discussed artificial intelligence driving cars and how effective the technology could be in radicalizing extremists and helping them spread disinformation. He called for the creation of a regulatory agency whose experts could start monitoring AI advancements from the technology’s infancy in order to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
OpenAI seems to agree. Newsmax reported the company’s chief technology officer recently told Time “it’s not too early” in the process for regulators to get involved with AI advancements.
Meetings and Intentions
The outlet also reported the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, traveled to Capitol Hill to talk to a group of lawmakers about ChatGPT. According to Senator Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) aide, the Oregon legislator relayed his concern about bias with AI, stating he was worried about discrimination making its way into the technology. Others brought up plagiarism and cheating fears.
The Associated Press wrote that OpenAI released a statement about the issue, noting that the company doesn’t want the program used for such nefarious purposes. Instead, the company plans to develop ways to help educators and others “identify text generated” by ChatGPT. For now, it seems that regulation is still in the legislative talking phase.
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