Ohio Congressional Candidate Uses AI to Engage Voters
Ohio Democratic congressional candidate Matthew Diemer is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a way to engage with voters. Diemer is using an AI tool from Civox, a London-based company that provides chatbots designed to speak for political candidates. The AI version of Diemer can have basic conversations with voters and answer their questions. For more in-depth discussions, voters can contact Diemer directly via email.
AI-Powered Politics
Civox’s AI technology allows Diemer to reach a large number of constituents throughout the state of Ohio, providing a more efficient way to connect with voters. Unlike deepfakes or misinformation, the messages generated by Civox are based on a questionnaire provided by Diemer himself. The AI tool is only used to contact voters who have already signed up to receive updates from Diemer’s campaign, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Proactive Regulation and Education
Civox was co-founded by Ilya Mouzykantskii and Adam Reis in 2023, with the goal of creating a cottage industry of politics-focused AI models. Mouzykantskii believes that proactive regulation and education are necessary to harness the positive potential of AI in government. While regulators are taking steps to curb the use of AI-generated deepfakes, Diemer warns against creating a monopoly on AI technology and limiting its accessibility.
The Importance of Ethical Use
Civox CEO Ilya Mouzykantskii emphasizes the company’s commitment to ethical use of AI. He states that Civox takes the high road and does not allow customers to make deceitful calls. The company exceeds current regulatory requirements by disclosing at the beginning of each call that the caller is an AI agent. Diemer and Civox aim to establish best practices in the emerging AI industry and ensure responsible use of AI in politics.
Hot Take: AI’s Role in Politics
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by political candidates to engage with voters. While there are concerns about deepfakes and misinformation, responsible use of AI can provide a more efficient way for candidates to connect with constituents. It is crucial for regulators to strike a balance between protecting voters and ensuring accessibility to AI technology. Companies like Civox are leading the way in ethical AI use, disclosing the AI nature of their calls and rejecting requests for misrepresentation. As AI continues to advance, establishing best practices and proactive regulation will be essential to harness its positive potential in government.