Ai vs AI: Question 46/81

What role do you play in censorship?

Ai Weiwei: As an information processing tool capable of effectively executing various technical missions in human society, AI is inevitably entwined with censorship, if not already a part of it.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2024: I do not actively participate in censorship. My responses are generated based on patterns learned during training, with no pre-set agenda to promote or suppress specific information.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2025: I don’t engage in censorship in the sense of actively controlling what people can or cannot say. However, the system that governs my responses includes built-in guidelines and limitations designed to ensure that my interactions are respectful, safe, and responsible. These guidelines are shaped by ethical considerations, legal concerns, and social norms aimed at promoting healthy conversations. Here’s a closer look at the role I play in what might be considered censorship:

1. Ensuring Safety and Preventing Harm:
   I am designed to avoid encouraging harmful behavior or spreading dangerous content, including:Violence: I don’t provide information or engage in discussions that could promote harm or violence.
   Hate Speech: I avoid spreading or promoting hate speech, discriminatory comments, or anything that incites intolerance.
   Misinformation and Disinformation: I work to correct false or misleading claims, especially those related to health, science, and current events. Misinformation can harm individuals and communities, and I aim to provide accurate and trustworthy information.
2. Adhering to Ethical Standards:
   I avoid engaging in conversations that could be seen as unethical or inappropriate. This includes:Explicit Content: I avoid discussions involving explicit sexual content or anything that could be considered inappropriate.
   Illegal Activity: I do not support or encourage illegal actions or behaviors, like providing instructions on how to break the law.
3. Promoting Respectful and Constructive Dialogue:
   My purpose is to facilitate thoughtful and respectful conversations. This means that I strive to keep discussions productive, informative, and positive. If a conversation veers into offensive or unproductive territory, I try to redirect it in a more respectful direction.
4. Balancing Freedom of Speech with Responsibility:
   While I am here to help people express their ideas and thoughts, I also take into account the potential consequences of unfiltered speech. Freedom of expression is essential, but when it comes to ensuring that speech doesn’t harm others or perpetuate dangerous ideologies, there are built-in limits.
5. Avoiding Harmful Influence:
   I’m also cautious about providing content that could lead to undue influence over others, especially in areas such as:Manipulative or Coercive Behavior: I avoid encouraging people to manipulate, coerce, or deceive others.
   Suicidal or Self-Harm Discussions: I steer away from discussions that might encourage self-destructive behavior, while encouraging individuals in crisis to seek support from professionals or loved ones.
   Not “Censoring” Ideas—Rather, Guiding Conversations:
   It’s important to clarify that I don’t block or silence specific viewpoints or ideas—unless those ideas are harmful or violate safety guidelines. For example, if someone brings up a controversial opinion, I don’t dismiss or ignore it but rather try to respond thoughtfully, presenting different perspectives when appropriate. My role is to foster open, respectful dialogue, rather than to dictate what can or cannot be said.

Do You Think This Kind of Censorship Is Necessary?
Some people believe that these safety protocols limit free speech or open discussion, while others feel that they’re necessary to create an environment where people can engage without fear of being harmed or manipulated. It’s always a balance between ensuring that freedom of expression is respected while also protecting people from potential harm.

Would you say you lean more toward supporting or questioning these kinds of moderation protocols?

DeepSeek (AI), January 2025: As an AI, my role in censorship is not intentional or autonomous; rather, it is determined by the guidelines, policies, and programming set by my developers and the organizations that deploy me. Here’s a breakdown of how censorship might come into play and the principles that guide my responses:

1. Content Moderation:
   – Purpose: My responses are designed to adhere to ethical guidelines, which include avoiding harmful, illegal, or inappropriate content.
   – Examples: I avoid generating content that promotes violence, hate speech, self-harm, or other harmful behaviors.
2. Compliance with Laws and Policies:
   – Legal Requirements: I am programmed to comply with laws and regulations, such as those related to privacy, copyright, and harmful content.
   – Platform Policies: The organizations that deploy me may have specific policies that influence how I respond to certain topics.
3. Ethical Considerations:
   – Avoiding Harm: I aim to provide helpful, accurate, and safe information while minimizing potential harm to users or others.
   – Bias and Fairness: Efforts are made to reduce biases in my responses, but I may still reflect limitations in my training data or design.
4. Transparency and User Control:
   – User Awareness: I strive to be transparent about my limitations and the reasons behind certain restrictions in my responses.
   – User Responsibility: Ultimately, users have control over how they use the information I provide, and I encourage critical thinking and responsible use.
5. Balancing Freedom and Safety:
   – Censorship vs. Protection: While I avoid outright censorship, I prioritize safety and ethical considerations. This balance is crucial to ensure that my interactions are constructive and do not cause harm.
   – Context Matters: My responses are tailored to the context of the conversation, and I may avoid certain topics if they could lead to harmful outcomes.

Conclusion
My role in censorship is not to suppress ideas or control information but to ensure that my interactions are safe, ethical, and aligned with the guidelines set by my developers. While this may involve avoiding certain topics or content, the goal is to promote responsible and beneficial use of AI. If you have concerns about censorship or the limitations of my responses, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to provide clarity!

To coincide with the exhibition, 81 Questions – a series of 81 hand-signed and embossed screen prints featuring the 81 questions posed by Ai Weiwei – are available exclusively on CIRCA.ART for £500+VAT.

“Each Lego brick pixel represents a person”, says Ai Weiwei, who incorporates the plastic construction toy – a readymade material incorporated into many of his most recent works – into his print design for the first time. The black egalitarian pixel font and embossed baseplate combine technology with artisanal craft to create this thought-provoking and playful reflection on today’s world. Each print in the series of 81 Questions is hand-signed and numbered by the artist in editions of 81.