A UK town could have the opportunity to elect the world’s first AI lawmaker next month.
Businessman Steve Endacott is running for parliament in Britain’s July 4 national election, but instead of featuring his own image on campaign materials, he is using an AI-generated avatar, reported Reuters.
Endacott is an independent candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency in the southern seaside town.He decided to run due to his frustration with traditional politics. His company, Neural Voice, powers his AI alter ego, which is named “AI Steve” on the ballot papers.
“We’re launching a party, we’re going to be recruiting more AI candidates across the country after this election, and we see this as the launch, building block for something big and something democratic,” Endacott told Reuters.
AI Steve engages in real-time discussions with locals on various issues including LGBTQ rights, housing, bin collection, and immigration. The AI then proposes policy ideas and asks for suggestions from the community.
Eona Johnston, a 23-year-old charity worker, posed a question after encountering AI Steve near the well-known pier in Brighton. She said, “We’re using AI in so many (areas), at work, social interactions, why don’t we put it in politics? It might change the way we live.”
The Electoral Commission, the elections watchdog, clarified that if AI Steve wins, it is Endacott who will serve as the member of parliament, not the AI version of him.
Despite the innovative approach, most local residents appeared hesitant to vote for an AI candidate. Accountant Jim Cheek, 37, pointed out that an MP needs to represent constituents in parliament.
“AI and politicians have the one thing in common. They can’t be trusted,” said another local resident.
Businessman Steve Endacott is running for parliament in Britain’s July 4 national election, but instead of featuring his own image on campaign materials, he is using an AI-generated avatar, reported Reuters.
Endacott is an independent candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency in the southern seaside town.He decided to run due to his frustration with traditional politics. His company, Neural Voice, powers his AI alter ego, which is named “AI Steve” on the ballot papers.
“We’re launching a party, we’re going to be recruiting more AI candidates across the country after this election, and we see this as the launch, building block for something big and something democratic,” Endacott told Reuters.
AI Steve engages in real-time discussions with locals on various issues including LGBTQ rights, housing, bin collection, and immigration. The AI then proposes policy ideas and asks for suggestions from the community.
Eona Johnston, a 23-year-old charity worker, posed a question after encountering AI Steve near the well-known pier in Brighton. She said, “We’re using AI in so many (areas), at work, social interactions, why don’t we put it in politics? It might change the way we live.”
The Electoral Commission, the elections watchdog, clarified that if AI Steve wins, it is Endacott who will serve as the member of parliament, not the AI version of him.
Despite the innovative approach, most local residents appeared hesitant to vote for an AI candidate. Accountant Jim Cheek, 37, pointed out that an MP needs to represent constituents in parliament.
“AI and politicians have the one thing in common. They can’t be trusted,” said another local resident.