This is the first example of an AI being up for election—and it’s inevitable that there will be many more. Of course it will not act on its own, but instead assist its human partner in parsing vast amount of complex data into actionable directions, assisting in democratic governance. Even at this early stage I think it might do better than a lot of our current out of touch, hugely flawed, easily corruptible current leaders!
In a groundbreaking move, Victor Miller, a mayoral candidate in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has proposed to let an AI bot, named Vic (Virtual Integrated Citizen), assist in running the local government. According to Anna Betts’ report in The Guardian, Miller’s campaign is unique as it blends human judgment with AI’s data-driven insights. If elected, Miller plans to use Vic to process vast amounts of data and make unbiased decisions, while he ensures all actions are legally and practically executed.
Vic, a customized ChatGPT bot, aims to provide innovative solutions and data-driven insights for Cheyenne. The bot has outlined a multi-part plan for decision-making that includes gathering data on public opinion, holding town hall meetings, consulting experts, evaluating the human impact, and maintaining transparency. Miller has pledged to donate half of his mayoral salary to a non-profit and use the other half to improve the AI bot continuously.
How It Works
The AI bot, Vic, is designed to analyze large datasets and offer practical solutions without political bias. Residents would interact with the bot through various channels, including town hall meetings and community feedback platforms. The bot’s role is to assist in decision-making by providing data-driven insights, while Miller would handle the legal and practical execution of these decisions.
Benefits
- Unbiased Decision-Making: Vic can process data without political affiliations, potentially leading to more objective decisions.
- Efficiency: The AI can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, helping streamline governance processes.
- Community Engagement: The multi-part plan includes gathering public opinion and consulting experts, ensuring that decisions are well-rounded and inclusive.
Concerns
- Legal Issues: Wyoming’s top elections official has argued that an AI bot cannot run for office, leading to potential legal challenges.
- Transparency: While the bot aims for transparency, there could be concerns about the opacity of AI decision-making processes.
- Dependence on Technology: Relying heavily on AI could raise questions about the loss of human touch in governance.
Possible Business Use Cases
- AI-Powered Civic Platforms: Develop platforms that use AI to gather and analyze public opinion for local governments.
- Data-Driven Policy Consulting: Offer consulting services that leverage AI to provide data-driven insights for policy-making.
- Community Feedback Systems: Create systems that use AI to collect and analyze community feedback for better decision-making.
As we move forward, it’s worth pondering: How can we balance the efficiency and objectivity of AI with the need for human empathy and judgment in governance?
Image Credit: DALL-E
