Source URL: https://simonwillison.net/2024/Dec/3/names-make-chatgpt-grind-to-a-halt/#atom-everything
Source: Simon Willison’s Weblog
Title: Certain names make ChatGPT grind to a halt, and we know why
Feedly Summary: Certain names make ChatGPT grind to a halt, and we know why
Benj Edwards on the really weird behavior where ChatGPT stops output with an error rather than producing the names David Mayer, Brian Hood, Jonathan Turley, Jonathan Zittrain, David Faber or Guido Scorza.
The OpenAI API is entirely unaffected – this problem affects the consumer ChatGPT apps only.
It turns out many of those names are examples of individuals who have complained about being defamed by ChatGPT in the last. Brian Hood is the Australian mayor who was a victim of lurid ChatGPT hallucinations back in March 2023, and settled with OpenAI out of court.
Via @benjedwards.com
Tags: benj-edwards, ethics, generative-ai, openai, chatgpt, ai, llms
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses an intriguing issue regarding the behavior of ChatGPT when processing specific names, highlighting potential ethical implications and ongoing legal concerns around defamation. It reveals how certain individuals are linked to complaints about defamatory statements made by the AI, which is essential for professionals in AI ethics and security.
Detailed Description: The text delves into an atypical behavior of ChatGPT that results in the application ceasing outputs when certain names are mentioned. This peculiarity sheds light on broader ethical and legal challenges posed by generative AI technologies. Key insights include:
– **Error Handling in AI**: The consumer version of ChatGPT generates errors or stops output in response to specific names, indicating a precautionary approach to potential legal issues.
– **Individual Complaints**: The names listed (David Mayer, Brian Hood, etc.) are associated with complaints related to defamation. For instance, Brian Hood’s case related to false representations made by ChatGPT that affected his reputation.
– **Legal Ramifications**: The mention of a settlement between Hood and OpenAI suggests significant implications for generative AI firms in terms of liability and ethical responsibility towards public figures.
– **Consumer vs. API Behavior**: Notably, the OpenAI API does not exhibit the same issue, suggesting that consumer-grade applications of AI may implement additional safeguards in light of these known complaints.
– **Implications for AI Development**: This incident highlights the necessity for developers and organizations utilizing generative AI to consider ethical frameworks and potential harm before deployment.
Overall, this text raises critical questions about the governance of AI technologies and their adherence to ethical standards, particularly in handling reputational matters. Security and compliance professionals must be vigilant about how AI outputs can trigger legal concerns and public backlash, making this a matter of priority in the ongoing development and deployment of AI systems.