The city councilors of Porto Alegre in Brazil unwittingly adopted the first regulation ever written by artificial intelligence (AI). The experimental ordinance, completely drafted by OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT, was passed in October without the councilors’ knowledge. City councilor Ramiro Rosario requested ChatGPT to draft regulations on preventing the city government from charging taxpayers for stolen water consumption meters. Without any changes or disclosure of its origin, Rosario presented the proposal to his colleagues, who unanimously approved it. The revelation has sparked discussions about the role of AI in official politics, highlighting both the potential and concerns surrounding the use of AI-powered chatbots.
When interviewed, Rosario explained his reasoning for not revealing the AI’s involvement beforehand, stating, If I had revealed it before, the proposal certainly wouldn’t even have been taken to a vote. He believed that it would be unfair for the population to risk the project’s rejection simply because it was written by artificial intelligence. Consequently, the ordinance took effect on November 23rd, unbeknownst to the councilors.
The emergence of ChatGPT and other AI-powered chatbots over the past year has triggered a global debate about their revolutionary potential. While some view them as promising tools, concerns have been raised about the unintended consequences and undesired influence that machines could have while performing tasks traditionally handled by humans.
Porto Alegre, the second-largest city in southern Brazil with a population of 1.3 million, experienced the revelation when City Council President Hamilton Sossmejer discovered Rosario’s use of ChatGPT only through a social media post. Sossmejer had not been aware that the draft regulation was written by an AI chatbot.
This incident emphasizes the need for a broader discussion regarding the role of artificial intelligence in shaping policies and regulations. It raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential impact of AI on democracy. As the integration of AI into various fields continues to expand, a thoughtful assessment of the benefits, risks, and ethical implications is necessary.
In this case, the unsuspecting city councilors unknowingly approved a regulation that originated from AI, indicating the potential influence of technology in shaping governance. As the use of AI in decision-making processes becomes more prevalent, it is crucial for policymakers and the public alike to engage in a meaningful dialogue to ensure transparency and maintain democratic representation.
The Porto Alegre incident serves as a reminder that as technology continues to advance, careful thought must be given to its application and the potential consequences. Brazil’s adoption of the first AI-written regulation may have significant implications for future policymaking processes, both in the country and worldwide.
In conclusion, the adoption of the first AI-written regulation in Brazil, unbeknownst to the city councilors, highlights the potential of technology in shaping politics while raising important questions about transparency and accountability. It invites a broader discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes and its impact on democratic governance. As the world moves further into the realm of AI, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological advancements and preserving the principles of democracy.
