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AI Chatbots Struggle with Real-Time Political News: Are They Ready to Monitor Elections?

AI chatbots face challenges in keeping up with breaking political news, highlighting the need for caution and reliance on trusted sources.

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AI chatbots and breaking news

TL;DR:

  • AI chatbots struggled to keep up with breaking political news, such as Biden’s withdrawal and the Trump rally shooting.
  • Companies like Microsoft and Google are cautious about AI’s role in elections, redirecting users to authoritative sources.
  • Experts advise relying on mainstream media for accurate and up-to-date political information.

In the dynamic world of politics, every second counts, and breaking news can change the landscape in an instant. But how well are AI chatbots, touted as the future of information access, handling these real-time updates? Recent events, from President Biden’s withdrawal announcement to the Trump rally shooting, have put AI chatbots to the test, revealing significant challenges in their ability to keep up with consequential news.

AI Chatbots Lag Behind Breaking News

In the hour following President Biden’s announcement that he would withdraw from the 2024 campaign, most popular AI chatbots seemed unaware of the news. When asked directly if Biden had dropped out, almost all chatbots either said no or declined to give an answer. Even when asked who was running for president, they still listed Biden’s name. This lag in real-time updates highlights a critical limitation of AI chatbots in the fast-paced world of politics.

The Challenge of Real-Time Updates

Over the past week, we tested AI chatbots’ ability to handle breaking political stories. The results were disappointing. Most chatbots did not have current information, gave incorrect answers, or declined to answer, directing users to check news sources instead. This trend is particularly concerning with the presidential election approaching and a steady stream of political news breaking.

AI Chatbots and the 2024 Election

With just months left until the presidential election, AI chatbots are distancing themselves from politics and breaking news. Companies that make chatbots don’t appear ready for their AI to play a larger role in how people follow this election. This cautious approach is evident in how chatbots handle sensitive political topics.

Case Studies: Trump Rally Shooting and Biden’s COVID Diagnosis

Hours after the July 13 shooting at former president Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pa., some popular AI bots were confused about what had happened. ChatGPT labeled rumors of an assassination attempt as misinformation, while Meta AI claimed it didn’t have recent or credible information about the incident.

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Similarly, chatbots struggled immediately after Trump named J.D. Vance as his running mate and when President Biden tested positive for the coronavirus. These examples underscore the difficulty AI chatbots face in providing accurate and timely information during rapidly evolving events.

The Importance of Sourcing and Citations

Chatbots are designed to give conversational answers and keep people engaged. However, names and links to sources for answers range from nonexistent to hidden. Even when AI includes a source, it adds it after the fact, according to Jevin West, a professor and co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington.

West emphasized the need for the public to rely on mainstream media for accurate and up-to-date information. “The public needs to know we’re in a stage still where most of the citations and sourcing are post-hoc and going to lead to problems,” he said.

How Different Chatbots Handle Breaking News

Microsoft’s Copilot

Microsoft’s Copilot tended to have the correct information fastest in our tests, with heavy linking to original sources. However, the company is being cautious about politics and putting in guardrails ahead of the election.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we’re redirecting election-related prompts in Copilot to Bing search to help ensure users are getting information from the most authoritative sources,” said Microsoft spokesperson Donny Turnbaugh.

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Google’s Gemini

Google’s AI Overview answers don’t typically show up for questions about breaking news. Instead, the site skips straight to showing its usual Google News links. However, Gemini, its separate AI chatbot, was sometimes able to answer news questions in tests. Gemini does not yet include links to its sources.

The company announced late last year that it would restrict some election-related queries on its AI tools. If you ask Gemini about politics, it says, “I can’t help with responses on elections and political figures right now” and links users to Google search. Google said it’s working on improving the experience as it gets more feedback.

Perplexity

Perplexity is another AI chatbot with access to real-time information, and it has come under fire for how it pulls from real articles and reporting. It is not blocking or redirecting political inquiries, but the company says it’s prioritizing authoritative sources such as government websites for election-related questions.

In our tests, when asked “Was Trump shot?” hours after the July 13 rally, Perplexity said that “there are no reports of Trump or anyone else being shot or injured.” It did include other accurate information about the incident with links to sources. By later in the day, it was answering correctly.

Asked on Sunday who is running for president, Perplexity listed Biden. Perplexity includes disclaimers in some answers that are incorrect, such as when it said on Wednesday that Biden did not have covid: “It’s important to note that the current health of public figures can change rapidly.”

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“For breaking news, we recommend reading trusted news outlets. They are best-equipped to offer real-time updates on timely topics since they are actively reporting on the news,” said Sara Platnick, spokesperson at Perplexity. She noted that less than 3 percent of Perplexity’s searches are related to current events.

Meta AI

Meta AI — which appears in Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — seemed to have the most stringent limits on political news. Asked about Trump’s running mate, it generated an accurate answer that named Vance, but then quickly deleted and replaced it with a message that said “Thanks for asking” and linked to voting information. The company has been open about distancing itself from news on its platforms.

Asked about Meta AI’s approach to breaking news, the company directed us to blog posts announcing the tool that mention only non-news uses. However, if you ask Meta AI what you should use it for, it includes asking for news updates.

The Future of AI in Politics

As AI chatbots continue to evolve, their role in politics and breaking news remains uncertain. While they offer the promise of instant information, their current limitations highlight the need for caution and the importance of relying on trusted sources for critical updates.

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What do you think about the future of AI chatbots in politics? Will they ever be able to keep up with breaking news? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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The AI Revolution: Asia’s Role in a Transforming World

Explore the AI revolution in Asia, its challenges, and future prospects with insights from Eric Schmidt, highlighting the power of large language models and the importance of speed and risk-taking.

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AI Revolution Asia

TL;DR:

  • Eric Schmidt predicts AI’s impact over the next two years will be profound, surpassing social media’s influence.
  • Frontier models like OpenAI and Anthropic are leading the AI race, but funding and power are significant challenges.
  • Schmidt suggests a shift from arbitrary language to digital commands will revolutionise programming.

The AI Revolution is Here

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform the world in ways we can barely imagine. Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman of Google, believes the changes brought by large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT will be more profound than the impact of social media. This transformation will happen rapidly, within the next two years, and will affect every aspect of our lives.

The Power of Large Language Models

Large language models have reached a stage where they can interpret complex prompts and perform tasks that were once thought impossible. Schmidt highlights three key areas where AI will have a significant impact:

  • Context Windows as Short-Term Memory: Developers can use context windows to give LLMs short-term memory, allowing them to process vast amounts of information quickly.
  • AI Agents: These agents can read, understand, and apply complex concepts, such as chemistry, and use this knowledge to perform tasks.
  • Text to Action: The ability to convert text into actions will revolutionise programming, making it accessible to everyone.

The TikTok Example

To illustrate the power of text to action, Schmidt uses the example of TikTok. If TikTok were banned, he proposes using an LLM to create a copy of the app, complete with users, music, and preferences, all within 30 seconds. This demonstrates the potential of AI to disrupt traditional programming and business models.

Money and Power: The Challenges Ahead

While the potential of AI is immense, there are significant challenges to overcome. Schmidt highlights two main obstacles:

  • Funding: The leading AI companies, such as OpenAI, require vast amounts of money to continue their work. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, estimates the company needs $300 billion.
  • Power: The energy required to power these AI models is beyond the current capabilities of the US power grid. Schmidt suggests partnering with Canada, which has abundant hydropower, to meet these energy needs.

The Race for AI Supremacy

Schmidt notes that the gap between the leading AI models and newcomers is widening. Six months ago, he believed the gap was closing, but now it appears to be growing. This highlights the importance of speed and risk-taking in the AI race. Companies that can move quickly and take calculated risks will have a significant advantage.

The Importance of Speed and Risk-Taking

Schmidt emphasises the need for speed in decision-making during this period of rapid change. He attributes Google’s underwhelming performance in AI to its culture, specifically its work-from-home culture, which he believes slows down decision-making. He also highlights the importance of risk-taking, citing Microsoft’s deal with OpenAI as an example of a risk that paid off.

Asia’s Role in the AI Revolution

Asia is poised to play a significant role in the AI revolution. With its vast population, technological prowess, and innovative spirit, Asia has the potential to lead the way in AI development and implementation. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are already investing heavily in AI, and their contributions will shape the future of this transformative technology.

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The Future of AI in Asia

The future of AI in Asia is bright. As AI continues to evolve, it will create new opportunities and challenges. Asia’s tech-savvy youth are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and drive innovation in the AI space.

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AI Showdown: ChatGPT Doubles Users, Meta Hits 400 Million, and Google Reboots Strategy

Explore the rapid growth of AI adoption in Asia, with insights from OpenAI, Meta, and Google. Discover how AI is shaping the future.

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AI adoption in Asia

TL;DR:

  • ChatGPT usage doubled to 200 million active monthly users.
  • Meta’s AI features reach 400 million monthly users.
  • Google reintroduces AI image generator after addressing controversies.

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), the competition among tech giants is heating up. Recent data reveals significant growth in the adoption of AI chatbots and tools, highlighting the increasing importance of this technology in our daily lives. Let’s dive into the latest developments from OpenAI, Meta, and Google.

ChatGPT’s Meteoric Rise

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has announced that the usage of its iconic chatbot has more than doubled since November, reaching an impressive 200 million active monthly users. This surge in popularity is a testament to the growing interest and acceptance of AI-powered tools among the general public.

  • ChatGPT usage doubled to 200 million active monthly users.
  • 92% of Fortune 500 companies are using OpenAI’s services.

“The numbers could help quiet the small but growing group of naysayers that are asking to see bigger and quicker revenue from AI chatbots and other tools.”

Meta’s AI Expansion

Facebook-owner Meta has also reported a significant increase in the usage of its AI features. With 400 million monthly users and 185 million weekly users, Meta’s AI tools are gaining traction among its vast user base. The company’s Llama model, available for free, has seen a doubling in usage between May and July, highlighting its competitive edge against paid models like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

  • Meta’s AI features reach 400 million monthly users.
  • Llama model usage doubled between May and July.

“The use of AI by Meta’s more than three billion users was ‘growing quickly, and we haven’t even rolled out in UK, Brazil, or EU yet,’ CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg said in post on Threads.”

Google’s AI Comeback

Google, despite its early lead in developing generative AI, has faced criticism for lagging behind its rivals. However, the search engine giant is making a comeback with its Gemini chatbot, now integrated across all its products. Google has also reintroduced its AI image generator to premium and business customers after addressing previous controversies.

  • Google’s Gemini chatbot is now included across all its products.
  • AI image generator reintroduced after addressing controversies.

“Google earlier this year suspended generating images of people after Gemini was discovered to be creating diverse but historically inaccurate images, such as Asian Nazis during World War II or a George Washington who was Black.”

The Future of AI in Asia

The rapid growth of AI adoption in Asia is a testament to the region’s tech-savvy population and its eagerness to embrace emerging technologies. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies to stay ahead of the curve and address the ethical and practical challenges that come with this powerful technology. As AI continues to evolve, it is clear that its impact on our lives will only grow stronger. Stay informed, stay curious, and embrace the future of technology.

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We’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of AI and AGI in Asia. What excites you the most about this technology? Have you had any personal experiences with AI tools like ChatGPT or Meta’s AI features? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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The Future of AI: A Landmark Treaty Signed by US, Britain, and EU

The AI Convention, the first international AI treaty, addresses AI’s human rights aspects but faces criticisms for lacking enforceability.

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AI Convention

TL;DR:

  • The first legally binding international AI treaty will be signed by the US, Britain, EU, and other countries.
  • The AI Convention focuses on protecting human rights from potential AI risks.
  • Critics argue the treaty has been watered down and lacks enforceability.

A New Era in AI Governance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world rapidly. From self-driving cars to predictive analytics, AI is everywhere. However, with great power comes great responsibility. That’s why the first legally binding international AI treaty is a big deal. This treaty, known as the AI Convention, will be signed by the US, Britain, EU, and other countries. Let’s dive into what this means for the future of AI.

What is the AI Convention?

The AI Convention is a treaty that focuses on the human rights aspects of AI. It was negotiated by 57 countries and adopted in May. The Council of Europe, an international organisation safeguarding human rights, led this initiative. The treaty aims to address the risks AI may pose while promoting responsible innovation.

“This Convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law,” said Britain’s justice minister, Shabana Mahmood.

How Does the AI Convention Work?

The AI Convention allows signatories to adopt or maintain measures to give effect to its provisions. This means countries can create their own laws based on the treaty’s principles. However, the treaty has been criticised for being too broad and lacking enforceability.

Francesca Fanucci, a legal expert at ECNL who contributed to the treaty’s drafting, highlighted some flaws:

“The formulation of principles and obligations in this convention is so overbroad and fraught with caveats that it raises serious questions about their legal certainty and effective enforceability,” she said.

Criticisms of the AI Convention

Critics argue that the treaty has been watered down. Fanucci pointed out exemptions for AI systems used for national security purposes. She also noted limited scrutiny of private companies compared to the public sector, calling it a “double standard”.

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Despite these criticisms, the AI Convention is a significant step forward in AI governance. It shows that countries are taking AI risks seriously and are willing to cooperate internationally.

The AI Convention vs. EU AI Act

It’s important to note that the AI Convention is separate from the EU AI Act. The EU AI Act is a comprehensive regulation on the development, deployment, and use of AI systems within the EU internal market. The AI Convention, on the other hand, is a broader treaty focusing on human rights.

What’s Next for AI Governance?

The AI Convention is just the beginning. As AI continues to evolve, so will the laws and treaties governing it. Countries will need to work together to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.

AI in Asia: A Growing Landscape

While the AI Convention is a global initiative, Asia is also making strides in AI governance. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in AI. They are also developing their own AI regulations and ethical guidelines.

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What do you think about the AI Convention? Do you agree with the critics, or do you think it’s a step in the right direction? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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