Victor Miller, a candidate for the Mayor of Cheyenne in Wyoming, has proposed running the city with an AI bot named after himself.
Victor Miller's Proposal
On August 16, Victor Miller gave a speech at a Cheyenne library, suggesting that if elected mayor in November, he would launch an AI bot named 'VIC' ('Virtual Integrated Citizen') to manage the local government. Miller faces several challengers in his campaign, including incumbent Patrick Collins.
Technological Support and Challenges
According to the Washington Post, technology company OpenAI shut down Miller’s account after he attempted to use their software for the VIC bot. The company’s policies prohibited 'engaging in political campaigning or lobbying, including generating campaign materials personalized to or targeted at specific demographics.'
Response and Elections
State officials challenged Miller’s introduction of the AI bot to the mayoral race but ultimately allowed it under the condition that Miller’s name, the 'meat avatar,' would be the only one on the ballot to avoid confusing voters and violating state law. On August 20, Cheyenne voters will vote on Miller and other candidates in a nonpartisan primary. The top two candidates will advance to the general election in November.
The use of AI in politics remains a contentious issue, and the results of the Cheyenne mayoral election could significantly impact the future of technology in city governance.
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