Mayor Adams, the multilingual mayor of New York City, has revealed that he has been using artificial intelligence (AI) to communicate with New Yorkers in multiple languages. The mayor has been using deep fake robocalls to appear to speak languages such as Mandarin and Yiddish, creating the illusion that he is fluent in many languages. However, the calls do not disclose that AI is being used to mimic the mayor’s voice. This practice has drawn criticism from some, who argue that it is unethical to use AI to deceive people in this way.
The use of AI technology to create deep fake voices is a controversial topic. Some argue that it is a form of manipulation and deception, while others see it as a harmless way to connect with diverse communities. Albert Fox Cahn, the Executive Director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, labeled the practice as “deeply Orwellian” and a “creepy vanity project.” However, Mayor Adams defended his use of AI, stating that he believes it is a valuable tool to communicate with the city’s diverse population.
The exact content of the robocalls and the number of calls made to New Yorkers are currently unknown, as is the cost of creating the deep fake voices. Previous mayors, such as Bill de Blasio, took Spanish lessons to connect with Spanish-speaking residents, while others, like Mike Bloomberg, faced criticism for their attempts to speak Spanish. Mayor Adams has poked fun at these previous mayors' language efforts, and he uses AI to bridge the language barrier instead.
The use of AI in this context highlights the broader adoption of emerging technologies in Mayor Adams' administration. He sees AI as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the functioning of the city. The rollout of the MyCity Chatbot, an AI-driven helper for New York City businesses, is a part of this effort. The chatbot aims to provide easier access to information from the city’s websites, and although it currently serves only English speakers, the plan is to include more languages in the future to cater to the city’s diverse population.
The chatbot utilizes Microsoft’s Azure AI services, which have been customized for government agencies. By scraping information from over 2,000 business sites, the chatbot aims to streamline the research process for permits, licenses, codes, and regulations for business owners. Alongside the chatbot, city officials have unveiled a multi-year plan for AI in the city, which will extend to other city agencies.
Mayor Adams acknowledges that the use of AI can be anxiety-inducing for some, with concerns of job displacement and the rise of “terminator-type” scenarios. However, he reassures New Yorkers that AI is merely a tool to enhance the city’s functionality, urging them to take a deep breath and see the potential benefits.
While some may criticize the use of deep fake voices created through AI, Mayor Adams' aim is to foster better communication with the diverse population of New York City. The use of emerging technologies like AI reflects the city’s commitment to innovation and streamlining processes for the benefit of its residents and businesses. As AI continues to shape our world, it is essential to navigate its ethical implications and ensure that it serves the public’s best interests.
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