Political figures warn voters about using AI to decide election picks

Thursday, 24 April 2025 00:41

While some punters say they think it's "fine" or gives them more information, experts believe the technology compromises the credibility of democracy.

Senior political figures are tonight warning voters against using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help them decide who to vote for this federal election.

Many Australians are turning to websites like ChatGPT for the answer but experts say it's unethical.

While some punters say they think it's "fine" or gives them more information, experts believe the technology compromises the credibility of democracy.

"If your decision is solely based on your interaction with AI, then you're doing something that's not right," UWA business ethics Professor Mayowa Babalola told 9News.

Some other voters 9News asked about the subject agreed.

"Don't go to ChatGPT to work out what your values are," one woman said.

Another said, "You should know who you want to vote for".

Simply by telling the chatbot an age, job title and electorate, voters can get a list of available candidates and some recommendations.

When 9News gave the chatbot an age, job title and electorate it spat out a list of available candidates and some recommendations.

One more question and it delivered a single candidate's name and why the bot thought it was the right fit.

Both current and former politicians are not impressed, saying AI should be ignored when choosing who to vote for.

Former deputy prime minister Kim Beazley told 9News it was "undesirable".

"I think people should keep close connection between brain and hand when voting and without other things coming in between both," he said.

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Kim Beazley

WA Police Minister Paul Papalia agreed.

"There's a little bit of responsibility on your behalf - you should educate yourself about who's running in your seat and what they stand for and then make a decision yourself."

Experts say AI can be helpful but not reliable and should always be paired with critical thinking.

"If you don't double check, how would you even know [it's right]?" Babalola said.

"It's not ethical."

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