Swedish Deputy PM Uses AI-Fabricated Quote in Speech, Issues Public Apology

Thumbnail Image

The information displayed in the AIM should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries.

Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch used a fabricated quote generated by ChatGPT in a major speech, wrongly attributing it to journalist Elina Pahnke. The incident led to public misinformation and reputational harm, prompting Busch to issue a public apology and sparking debate about politicians’ understanding of AI risks.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The event involves the use of an AI system that generated a false quote attributed to a person, which was then publicly used by a political figure. This led to misinformation and reputational harm, which qualifies as harm to communities and individuals. The AI system's use directly led to this harm, making it an AI Incident rather than a hazard or complementary information.[AI generated]
AI principles
AccountabilityTransparency & explainabilityRobustness & digital securitySafetyDemocracy & human autonomy
Industries
Media, social platforms, and marketingGovernment, security, and defence
Affected stakeholders
WorkersGeneral publicGovernment
Harm types
ReputationalPublic interest
Severity
AI incident
Business function:
Other
AI system task:
Content generationInteraction support/chatbots

Articles about this incident or hazard