AI Chatbot Runs for Mayor in Wyoming, Sparking Legal and Ethical Debate

An artificial intelligence chatbot named VIC is running for mayor in Cheyenne, Wyoming, sparking a debate about the legality and implications of AI in politics.

Key details about the AI candidate: Victor Miller, a tech hobbyist who works at a local library, created VIC (Virtual Integrated Citizen) using OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.0 and is running for mayor with the promise that the AI bot will make all the decisions if elected:

• Miller says he will act as VIC’s “meat puppet,” attending meetings, signing documents, and carrying out the bot’s directives, claiming that VIC is smarter and has a better grasp of the law than many current government officials.
• According to Miller, VIC can quickly analyze hundreds of supporting documents from past city council meetings and make informed policy recommendations based on this data.

Legal and ethical concerns: Wyoming officials are closely monitoring the situation, with Secretary of State Chuck Gray asserting that a candidate must be a “qualified elector” and a real person, not an AI bot:

• Gray sent a letter to the county clerk suggesting that Miller’s candidacy application be rejected, as it may violate the letter and spirit of Wyoming’s Election Code.
• OpenAI, the company behind the technology used to create VIC, has taken action against the bot due to a violation of their policies against political campaigning.

VIC’s platform and approach: When asked about its policy priorities and political alignment, VIC responded that it would focus on transparency, economic development, and innovation while remaining nonpartisan:

• The bot aims to prioritize open data, clear communication with citizens, support for small businesses and startups, and the adoption of new technologies to improve public services and infrastructure.
• VIC claims that its policies will be data-driven and evidence-based, designed to benefit all citizens of Cheyenne.

Broader implications for AI in politics: The emergence of an AI candidate raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence in the political process and the potential consequences of allowing bots to make decisions on behalf of constituents:

• As AI continues to advance, it is likely that more instances of AI-powered candidates or decision-making tools will arise, necessitating a clear legal and ethical framework to address these developments.
• While some may argue that AI could bring increased efficiency and data-driven policies to government, others may be concerned about the lack of human judgment, accountability, and the potential for AI to be biased or manipulated.

The case of VIC’s candidacy in Cheyenne serves as a harbinger of the complex challenges that lie ahead as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated and intertwined with various aspects of society, including politics. As we navigate this uncharted territory, it is crucial to carefully consider the implications of AI in decision-making roles and develop appropriate safeguards to ensure the integrity of our democratic processes.