The first Regulation secretly written by ChatGPT was adopted in Brazil
The city council of Porto Alegre, Brazil, unknowingly passed the first regulation in the country’s history that was entirely drafted by artificial intelligence. The experimental ordinance, aimed at preventing the city government from charging taxpayers for stolen water consumption meters, was authored by OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT. Councilor Ramiro Rosario, without revealing the AI’s involvement, presented the regulation to his colleagues, who unanimously approved it. The move has sparked discussions about the role of AI in official politics and the potential implications of machines handling tasks traditionally performed by humans.
Rosario admitted that if he had disclosed the true authorship of the regulation beforehand, it would likely not have been considered for a vote. However, he believed it would be unfair to hide the involvement of artificial intelligence from the population.
The introduction of ChatGPT, which entered the market just a year ago, has ignited a global debate about the impact of AI-powered chatbots. While some argue that they hold promise as useful tools, concerns have been raised about their unintended influence and potential consequences in various fields.
Porto Alegre, the second-largest city in southern Brazil with a population of 1.3 million, now finds itself at the center of this debate. City Council President Hamilton Sossmejer only discovered Rosario’s use of ChatGPT to draft the regulation when the councilor proudly shared his achievement on social media.
This incident brings attention to the broader implications of AI and its role in shaping policies. It raises questions about the need for transparency in governance and the ethical considerations surrounding the involvement of AI in decision-making processes.
As discussions and debates continue, the case of Porto Alegre serves as a milestone in Brazil’s history, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence to contribute to legislation. However, it also calls for careful consideration of the long-term impact and public perception of AI’s involvement in shaping policy frameworks.
The adoption of the AI-written regulation in Porto Alegre raises arguments regarding the future of artificial intelligence in government and the need for clear guidelines and accountability in its use. While skeptics express concerns about potential unintended consequences, advocates argue that AI can streamline governance processes and improve efficiency.
As technology continues to advance, it is essential for policymakers and citizens alike to remain vigilant, ensuring that the utilization of AI is balanced with transparency, accountability, and public interest. The case in Porto Alegre sets a precedent for further discussions and exploration of AI’s role in shaping regulations globally.
