Rob Ashton, a contender for the NDP leadership and a prominent union leader, utilized artificial intelligence tools during an online campaign event despite concerns about AI replacing human workers. Observant participants on Reddit’s discussion platform pointed out that some of Ashton’s responses during his “ask me anything” session appeared to be generated by AI.
When CBC News raised these observations with Ashton’s campaign team, a post promptly surfaced on the r/ndp subreddit, expressing regret and acknowledging the use of AI tools in crafting some responses. The campaign clarified that Ashton, who was traveling at the time, had instructed assistants and volunteers to draft answers for his review. However, some answers were posted without his final approval, leading to the inadvertent use of AI-generated responses.
In an effort to maintain transparency, Ashton’s team issued an apology, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership and assuring that such incidents would not recur. Ashton, known for his candid approach to politics, admitted to the mishap and committed to personally authoring responses moving forward.
Ashton, a seasoned dockworker and head of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, has emerged as a key contender in the NDP leadership race, positioning himself as the champion of working-class interests among the five official candidates. Reddit users initially raised concerns about Ashton’s reliance on AI-generated responses, noting stylistic indicators that suggested automated content creation rather than human composition.
Following the incident, reactions to Ashton’s apology varied among Reddit users, with some deeming the use of AI unacceptable while others questioned the sincerity of the apology. Notably, Ashton voiced his opposition to the indiscriminate use of AI, highlighting its potential to displace workers, exploit artists, spread misinformation, and erode democratic principles in favor of corporate gain.
Calling for stringent regulations on AI technology, including the establishment of a royal commission and updated legislation to safeguard individuals and digital platforms, Ashton drew connections between unregulated AI, the rise of fascism, and the escalating concentration of wealth among a select few billionaires.
Committing to rectify the situation, Ashton pledged to delete the AI-generated responses and craft his own answers in the days ahead. The race for NDP leadership, marked by relatively few controversies since its commencement in September, has seen Ashton’s AI-related episode and Heather McPherson’s stance against imposing “purity tests” emerge as notable incidents amid an otherwise uneventful campaign.
As the leadership race progresses, these occurrences, alongside candidates’ performances in debates and their policy stances, are likely to influence NDP members’ decisions as the party heads towards selecting its new leader in March.