As the 2025 election season gains momentum, artificial intelligence takes center stage with OpenAI’s recent move to suspend the developer of a ChatGPT-powered chatbot supporting Democratic presidential hopeful, Rep. Dean Phillips. The bot, named Dean.Bot, aimed to engage voters in real-time conversations, but OpenAI swiftly took action, citing a violation of its guidelines prohibiting AI use in political campaigns.
Also Read: OpenAI Suspended Its Competitor’s Account for Using ChatGPT
The Genesis of Dean.Bot
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Matt Krisiloff and Jed Somers spearheaded the creation of Dean.Bot through their Super PAC, We Deserve Better, in support of Dean Phillips. The PAC, backed by hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, contracted AI start-up Delphi to develop the chatbot using OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology.
OpenAI’s Decisive Move
OpenAI’s suspension of Delphi’s account marked a significant development in the AI landscape, as it was the first time the company took action against the use of its technology in a political campaign. OpenAI clarified that such usage violates its policies, particularly those related to political campaigning and impersonation without consent.
Also Read: How OpenAI is Fighting Election Misinformation in 2025
Dean Phillips’ Unconventional Campaign
Despite Dean Phillips being a long-shot candidate, the unconventional use of AI technology in his campaign sparked controversy. The chatbot, mimicking Phillips’ voice, engaged with constituents on various topics, including why Democrats should consider a change in the 2025 election. OpenAI’s move underscores the potential risks associated with the intersection of AI and politics.
Public Concerns and Poll Findings
As AI’s role in elections becomes more prominent, public concerns about the spread of misinformation through AI tools rise. A recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy indicates that 58% of U.S. adults worry about AI tools increasing the spread of false information during elections.
Also Read: What is Google’s New Policy for the Upcoming 2024 Elections?
Our Say
While AI offers innovative ways to engage voters, OpenAI’s recent actions emphasize the need for responsible and ethical use. As the election season progresses, it becomes crucial for policymakers and tech companies to address the potential misuse of AI in political campaigns. Balancing the benefits of AI-driven engagement with the risks of misinformation remains a critical challenge in the evolving landscape of technology and democracy.
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Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passionate about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.
