UK Parliamentarian creates AI version of himself to connect with people

MP Mark Sewards has worked with an AI startup firm to create a version of himself to interact with constituents.

According to reports, the AI version will use his voice to allow people to ask for help on local issues of concern.

Sharing his AI prototype, Sewards earlier wrote on X: "When constituent and local business owner, Jeremy Smith, approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him. The AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it or be left behind."

He further asked people to connect with his AI version.

"I encourage any resident of Leeds South West and Morley to give AI Mark a try. This is only a prototype, and everything request will be used to train it to make it better," he said.

However, some experts have voiced their doubts that the use of such bots may further create a gap between politicians and the general public.

"When it comes to the general public and how they speak about politicians, the trust in them gets worse and worse," Dr Susan Oman, a senior lecturer in data, AI and society told BBC.

"There is the risk here that as an MP you are trying to be more efficient and more present for your constituents, but the knock-on effect is they feel less listened to," Oman said.

What is a Chatbot?

A chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversation with an end user, reads the IBM website.