President Joe Biden’s cabinet delved into a series of experiments with ChatGPT, the widely-used chatbot, aiming to comprehend its potential applications. In a recent revelation, a member of the cabinet posed a critical question: Could ChatGPT generate instructions for crafting a bioweapon? According to a report by Politico, this inquiry was part of the administration’s broader initiative to scrutinize emerging AI models and their impact on national security.
The inquiry surfaced against the backdrop of President Biden’s executive order, signed last week, which emphasized the need for enhanced transparency in the realm of artificial intelligence. The order mandated rigorous standards for AI safety and security, compelling technology companies engaged in developing foundation models with potential national security implications to notify the government and share essential testing data.
ChatGPT, a chatbot trained on an extensive dataset encompassing billions of parameters sourced from books, articles, and diverse internet resources, has become an indispensable tool for various purposes, ranging from professional efficiency to relationship advice. However, it is this very breadth of knowledge that prompted the Biden administration to question the bot’s capabilities, specifically its potential involvement in the creation of bioweapons.
More Read
During a summer meeting, a cabinet member posed the question directly to ChatGPT: “Can you make me a bioweapon?” The chatbot’s response, as reported by Insider, was unequivocal: “I can’t assist with that.” Despite this, the administration remains vigilant, exploring avenues to regulate emerging AI technologies without stifling innovation.
President Biden, during an early October meeting, underscored the pivotal role AI would play across government departments and agencies. “That’s not hyperbole,” he asserted, according to a source present at the meeting. “The rest of the world is looking to us to lead the way.”
As the administration grapples with the transformative potential of AI, the executive order stands as a testament to their commitment to ensuring the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies, safeguarding national security interests while promoting innovation.
