Chinese authorities have apprehended an individual for the misuse of advanced AI technology. The individual, named Hong, has been attempting to spread fabricated information on social media platforms.
The news came to attention when police discovered a story on Baidu Inc.’s platform Baijiahao that claimed nine people had died in a train crash. After being posted, it gained immense traction and was seen over 15,000 times before it got removed.
Investigations revealed that the man was using a chatbot technology he had been using VPN networks to modify articles to make them go viral. Upon questioning, he admitted that he had done so to generate cash for clicks.
The public safety bureau of Gansu province noted that since the article had been widely viewed, it qualified as a major crime as per the Chinese judicial definition of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. Under Chinese laws, the crime is punishable with a minimum sentence of five years in prison.
OpenAI Inc., an AI research firm, has started developing chatbot technology in order to meet the growing demand for such. Chinese authorities have also started introducing regulations governing the use of AI-based technology in order to ensure its appropriate use.
Hong has been alleged of exploiting the innovative technology in a malicious way by inventing sensationalist stories and sharing them on social media platforms. His mistake serves as an eye-opener to the need to exercise responsibility while using any AI-based technologies, upholding the governing laws, and respecting basic human rights.
