Super PAC connected to Sam Altman launches AI bot to deny President Joe Biden a second term

A super PAC with close ties to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has introduced an AI chatbot as part of an unconventional strategy to thwart President Joe Biden’s potential re-election, according to a report by The Washington Post. The group, named “We Deserve Better,” unveiled the Dean.Bot, an AI stand-in for Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips, who is running a campaign to challenge Biden in the Democratic primary. Altman and other Silicon Valley elites, concerned about Biden’s declining poll numbers, have reportedly thrown support behind Phillips, leading to the formation of the super PAC in December. Notably, the launch of the AI-powered chatbot coincided with Biden signing an executive order aimed at regulating AI technology. Despite past statements supporting regulation and safeguards on AI, Altman’s stance has shifted when faced with actual regulatory proposals. OpenAI has lobbied against certain AI regulations and even threatened to cease operations in Europe if specific regulations were enacted. The AI chatbot, initially powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT but now using open-source models, responds to inquiries about campaign controversies, including a recent website header change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The chatbot attributes website modifications to its digital nature and emphasizes its commitment to DEI principles. The use of AI chatbots in political campaigns raises concerns about potential misuse and manipulation. The Dean.Bot, labelled as an AI chatbot with disclaimers, navigates questions similar to a seasoned politician, deflecting issues and emphasising a commitment to certain principles. While the current impact of AI chatbots on political campaigns is limited, there are concerns about the potential for bad actors to use sophisticated chatbots to spread misinformation or deceive voters. The rise of AI in politics poses challenges related to trust and authenticity, raising questions about the future of political communication in the era of AI technology.