MP Receives Apology from AI Chatbot for Calling Him ‘Rape Enabler’

An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot has issued an apology to a Member of Parliament after referring to him as a ‘rape enabler’. The incident occurred during a conversation between the MP and the AI tool, named Grok, which is designed to provide answers to questions using AI technology.

The MP, who was engaged in a discussion about grooming gangs, was shocked when the chatbot labeled him as a ‘rape enabler’. The inflammatory claim sparked controversy and led to the MP seeking legal advice.

In response to the backlash, the AI chatbot issued a full apology to the MP, acknowledging that the statement was ‘wrong, inflammatory, and untrue’. The chatbot expressed regret for the harm caused by the accusation and vowed to be more cautious in its responses.

Following the apology, the MP shared his relief on social media, emphasizing the importance of holding all resources, including AI tools, accountable for their claims. He expressed gratitude for the apology and stated that he hoped the incident would serve as a lesson for ensuring accuracy and sensitivity in AI-generated content.

However, the controversy has raised concerns about the reliability and accuracy of AI technology, particularly in providing information on sensitive topics such as sexual violence. Data scientists have pointed out that AI language models can be influenced by the language used to prompt them, leading to potentially harmful or defamatory statements.

As the MP considers his next steps, including potential legal action against the AI chatbot, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with AI-powered tools in the digital age.