Lahore Police using AI for social media raises eyebrows, but…

LAHORE: Reports have emerged revealing that the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Lahore Police has been using OpenAI’s ChatGPT to generate its social media posts.

The discovery has sparked debate online about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by government institutions to manage public communication. While some see this as a forward-thinking move, others are raising concerns about the implications of AI-driven messaging in sensitive governmental affairs.

A STEP TOWARD EFFICIENCY AND TRANSPARENCY?

Proponents of AI integration argue that using tools like ChatGPT can streamline communication and enhance the efficiency of public messaging.

By automating social media posts, the Lahore Police can ensure timely updates on crime alerts, public safety advisories, and emergency situations. AI can also help maintain consistency in messaging, reduce human error, and free up resources for more critical tasks, ultimately improving the police department’s engagement with the public.

Additionally, AI can process vast amounts of information quickly, allowing for faster responses to ongoing incidents and more responsive communication in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

CONCERNS OVER AUTHENTICITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

On the other hand, critics of the use of AI in government communication argue that relying on AI tools like ChatGPT raises questions about authenticity, accountability, and transparency.

One of the primary concerns is that AI-generated content may lack the nuance and empathy that human communication can convey, especially in situations requiring sensitive handling, such as in the case of crime updates or public safety emergencies.

Furthermore, the use of AI for official statements could dilute accountability, as it may be difficult to trace responsibility for any inaccuracies or problematic messaging. There are also concerns about AI’s potential to spread misinformation or lack the critical human oversight necessary in high-stakes public communication.

BOTTOMLINE

There is still a clear need for editorial oversight when it comes to AI-generated posts. The tweet that sparked this controversy included the phrase “ChatGPT said”. Publication of official statements without proper review or revision and relying on AI to generate content without human oversight could lead to the dissemination of incomplete or inaccurate information.

While an overwhelming majority of the netizens have said that there is no harm in using AI to improve the phrasing or the presentation of information, it should be ensure that the credibility of government communications is not undermined in the process.

Proper editing and careful consideration are essential to ensure that messages are not only accurate but also appropriate for public consumption, particularly when they represent authoritative institutions like law enforcement.

The incident follows a similar publishing error with one of the leading newspapers in the country. An article published in DAWN concluded with the standard ChatGPT statement asking if there is need of any further improvements. That too ignited a debate on social media about the ethics of overreliance on AI for information sharing.