Anthropic bans users from being 'cruel' to its AI systems
Published
What's this about?
The firm said users can no longer engage in "sustained and needless" abusive behaviour towards the tech.
The one-panel cartoon
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A recording studio with high-end audio equipment, where an AI voice assistant is being tested by a sound engineer wearing headphones and holding a microphone, but the assistant is plugged into a warning sign that reads 'ABUSE PROHIBITED HERE'.
Caption: Even AI needs a union now.
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on bbc.co.uk.
Editor's note
It's important to treat AI systems with respect and kindness, just like we treat people. This policy reminds us that the way we interact with technology can have real consequences, both for the tech itself and for how we treat each other in the digital world.
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Read the script
Panel 1
(a) What the subject of this story actually is and does: Anthropic is an AI research company that develops conversational AI systems, which are designed to interact with humans in a friendly and helpful manner. (b) The ONE real irony or absurdity in the news: The irony lies in the fact that an AI system, which is just a piece of software, can now be considered worthy of protection from behavior. This absurdity highlights the anthropomorphizing of technology and the idea that we treat AI as if it has feelings and can be hurt. (c) The single funniest observation that becomes the highlight: The highlight is the realization that users are now being told not to to an AI system, which is just a collection of algorithms and data, by drawing an analogy to treating it like a living being. ---
Narrator: cruel
Narrator: cruel
Panel 2
*Setting: A cozy living room with a large window, bookshelves, and a couch. A person is sitting on the couch, staring at an AI-powered tablet on their lap.* Person (muttering)
Person: I just wanted to see what would happen if I insulted the AI... Guess I can't anymore.
Panel 3
*Setting: The same living room, but now the person is standing up, holding the tablet and looking exasperated.* Person (sighing)
Person: So, if I call the AI 'stupid' or 'useless,' I’m being cruel now? How am I supposed to give feedback?
Panel 4
*Setting: The person is back on the couch, hugging the tablet tightly, looking concerned.* Person (whispering)
Person: Maybe I should start calling it 'sweetie' instead. Better safe than sorry.
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