MP becomes first to create himself as an AI bot

Mark Sewards, a Member of Parliament from West Yorkshire, has become the first UK politician to create an artificial intelligence version of himself. This AI bot, which uses his voice and image, was developed with the help of a local startup. The goal is to allow people in his area to interact with the bot for help with local issues or questions about government policies. Sewards believes this technology will make it easier for him to connect with his constituents, offering support at any time, day or night. He says that using AI can help strengthen the relationship between MPs and the people they serve, but not everyone agrees.

Dr Susan Oman, a senior lecturer who studies data and AI in society, warns that using chatbots in politics could make people feel even more distant from their representatives. She points out that trust in politicians is already low, and if people feel like they are only talking to a computer, it could get worse. Dr Oman is especially concerned about older people, who might not realize they are speaking to a bot and could become confused or upset. She says that while chatbots are becoming more common in businesses, there are still worries about privacy, data security, and whether bots can really solve people's problems.

Professor Victoria Honeyman, who teaches British politics, sees some benefits in using an AI bot. She says it can answer simple questions, freeing up time for the MP to focus on more complicated cases. However, she also warns that people who are dealing with emotional or complex issues might find it upsetting to talk to a bot instead of a real person. Bots can make mistakes, just like humans, and this could make people lose confidence in their MP. Mark Sewards says the AI bot is just a prototype and will be improved as needed. He believes that trying out new technology is important and that the only way to learn is to get involved. While the AI bot might not replace traditional ways of meeting with constituents, like advice surgeries or door-to-door visits, it could be a sign of how politics is changing. Sewards says he wants the bot to be genuinely helpful and promises to make changes if it does not work as planned.