OpenAI, an artificial intelligence company founded by venture capitalist Sam Altman, has taken a stand against third-party advertisement using its products in political campaigning and lobbying. The recent attempt to integrate ChatGPT, a GPT-3 powered natural language processing product, into FiscalNote’s platform has prompted OpenAI to jump into action. FiscalNote’s initial press release stated that it was “bringing the power of next-generation AI and workflow productivity to the multi-billion dollar lobbying and advocacy industry”, but failed to mention any explicit political use.
With the looming 2020 presidential election, OpenAI used this opportunity to set a clear precedent in its usage policies to prevent any potential backlash from these technologies being used improperly. With its most recent update, OpenAI has incorporated a machine-learning algorithm that can detect and flag political campaigning and lobbying activities related to ChatGPT’s use. This comes as no surprise given the potential of artificial intelligence technology to influence public opinion and competition.
OpenAI itself was founded in 2015 in an attempt to promote research in artificial intelligence and explore the implications of AI. Its founders believe that artificial general intelligence could be beneficial or even revolutionary, yet they also caution that it could bring potential risks. As challenges and opportunities continually abound in the AI space, OpenAI strives to mitigate potential dangers posed by unregulated use of AI and other advanced technologies.
Sam Altman is the co-founder of OpenAI and has served as the company’s CEO since 2016. His expertise in the field of technology has helped catapult OpenAI into a household name in the tech industry. He was also one of the earliest backers of Y Combinator, a company that provides seed funding for fledgling tech startups. Altman has played a key role in OpenAI’s successful navigation in the realm of technology, from exploring the research potential of AI to addressing the ethical implications of using AI technology in activities such as lobbying and political campaigns.
