A British MP has made history by introducing an AI MP assistant—a digital clone of himself. Labour’s Mark Sewards, representing West Yorkshire, partnered with a tech startup to create this virtual aide. The bot mimics his voice and answers policy questions, aiming to improve accessibility. The AI MP assistant engages with constituents via text or voice. People can ask about local issues or government policies. Sewards claims it will “strengthen the connection” between his office and voters. However, critics argue it may deepen public distrust in politicians.
Therefore, Dr. Susan Oman, an AI ethics expert, warns of risks. “Trust in politicians is already low,” she says. “An AI MP assistant might make people feel unheard.” Older adults, in particular, could struggle to distinguish between bots and humans. Supporters say the AI MP assistant offers 24/7 support. Professor Victoria Honeyman notes it can handle simple queries, freeing Sewards for complex cases. Yet, she cautions that emotional issues require human sensitivity. “A bot might frustrate vulnerable people,” she adds.
Privacy is another concern. Chatbots collect data, raising security questions. Critics also fear errors—misinformation could damage an MP’s credibility. Sewards calls his bot a “prototype” that will evolve. “We must embrace AI’s potential,” he states. Similar tools could soon spread across Parliament. Decades ago, emailing MPs seemed radical—now, AI may be the next norm.
Still, face-to-face interactions remain vital. Hustings, surgeries, and door-knocking won’t disappear overnight. But as tech advances, the AI MP assistant could become a staple in political outreach. Initial feedback is mixed. Some constituents welcome convenience, while others fear detachment. Sewards vows to refine the bot, ensuring it avoids “ridiculous answers.”
His experiment may pave the way for wider AI adoption in governance. For now, the AI MP assistant is a bold experiment. Whether it bridges gaps or widens them, only time will tell.
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