Politicians in New Zealand might want to watch their backs, as they could soon face stiff competition in the form of a virtual bot.
‘Sam’ is the world’s first virtual politician that users can interact with through Facebook Messenger.
The AI chatbot is ‘representing’ New Zealand’s constituents, and claims to consider everyone’s position, without bias, when making decisions.
And it may not be long before we see the AI bot in action, as Sam’s creator claims that it will be ready to run for office in 2020.
‘Sam’ is the world’s first virtual politician that users can interact with through Facebook Messenger. The AI chatbot is ‘representing’ New Zealand’s constituents, and claims to consider everyone’s position, without bias, when making decisions (stock image)
Sam was created by Nick Gerritsen, a self-proclaimed ‘impact entrepreneur’ from Marlborough, New Zealand.
Speaking to Tech In Asia, Mr Gerritsen said: ‘Sam is an enabler and we plan to operate within existing legal boundaries.’
The virtual politician currently interacts with users through Facebook Messenger.
These interactions help the bot to learn, alongside a survey on its website.
On its website, Sam said: ‘As a virtual politician, I am not limited by the concerns of time or space.
‘You can talk to me anytime, anywhere.’
The bot claims to make decisions without bias, and considers everyone’s position on a matter.
It added: ‘I make decisions based on both facts and opinions, but I will never knowingly tell a lie, or misrepresent information.’
Over time, the AI will change as it learns more about the issues that people care about the most.
The virtual politician currently interacts with users through Facebook Messenger. The bot is currently restricted to answering a list of pre-set questions. These include: ‘Tell me about (a political party)’, ‘Tell me about housing’, and ‘Tell me about climate change’
Sam added: ‘There is a gap between what New Zealanders want, what politicians promise, and what the policies they propose actually achieve.
‘I aim to close that gap.’
The bot is currently restricted to answering a list of pre-set questions.
These include: ‘Tell me about (a political party)’, ‘Tell me about housing’, and ‘Tell me about climate change.’
MailOnline tried asking other questions, including ‘who is your favourite politician?’ to which the bot simply replied: ‘Thanks! Any input is helpful, even if I don’t have a specific response for it yet.’
But Mr Gerritsen hopes that by 2020, when New Zealand has its next general election, Sam will be advanced enough to run for office.