Artificial intelligence and its many applications have already taken many sectors by storm, prompting lawmakers to come up with guardrails to make sure that its potential remains in check.
In a move that caught the attention of his colleagues, Italian senator Marco Lombardo delivered a speech in parliament that was drafted by a chatbot, Reuters tells us in a report.
Lombardo stated that he intended to ignite a serious debate on the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI).
Italian Lawmaker's AI-Generated Speech
During his address, Lombardo posed a thought-provoking question to his fellow lawmakers: "How many of us today are able to distinguish between a text produced by human intelligence and a stream of thoughts... produced by an artificial intelligence algorithm?"
The senator disclosed to Reuters that the speech was generated by OpenAI's GPT-4 chatbot, which is supported by tech giant Microsoft.
Lombardo's staff spent a mere couple of hours inputting the necessary information into the software, which then produced the speech instantaneously.
A senior politician praised the senator's flawless delivery in a tweet but expressed uncertainty about whether this development signifies progress or a step backward.
What's In the Speech
Lombardo acknowledged being impressed by recent advances in AI but emphasized the need for a more thorough understanding of the technology.
He emphasized the need to strike a delicate balance between regulation and innovation to ensure that the potential of artificial intelligence is utilized responsibly.
Italy's Position As a Heavy AI Regulator
In recent months, Italy has emerged as a major participant in global AI regulation efforts. The country's data protection authority, Guarante made headlines by temporarily blocking ChatGPT and initiating an investigation into the application's alleged violation of privacy regulations.
In May, Italian authorities also disclosed that they intend to look into more artificial intelligence platforms by employing experts in an effort to increase oversight of the powerful technology.
In a related development, Reuters tells us that the European Union's tech chief, Margrethe Vestager, recently stated that she believes a voluntary code of conduct for generative AI could be drafted "within the next weeks."
She added that a final proposition for the industry's approval could be anticipated shortly.
AI Debates
The use of AI-generated content in official parliamentary proceedings could prompt a broader discussion regarding the implications and limitations of AI in decision-making processes.
While proponents of artificial intelligence contend that it can improve efficiency and provide valuable insights, skeptics raise concerns about accountability, transparency, and the possibility of AI manipulating public opinion.
Senator Lombardo's unorthodox decision to deliver a speech generated by a chatbot could have effectively sparked the desired discussion on AI's role in policymaking.
As the discussion progresses, policymakers and experts will be faced with the complex task of drafting regulations that foster innovation while mitigating potential risks associated with AI-powered systems.
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