Andrew Hastie says AI advised him to reply ‘congratulations!’ to man who planned to end life with assisted dying

A parliamentary inquiry heard firsthand how AI technology can produce deeply inappropriate responses, after Microsoft Copilot suggested congratulatory messages to an MP whose constituent had expressed plans for voluntary assisted dying. The incident prompted calls for locally developed AI systems, highlighting concerns over the limitations of current foreign-run platforms. Meanwhile, testimony from cybersecurity officials emphasized the urgent need for advanced AI tools to counter sophisticated cyber threats. The debate underscores growing tensions between AI’s risks and its potential as a critical defense tool.

Liberal MP speaks of AI’s shortcomings as cyber chief tells inquiry the tech is needed to fend off ‘highly capable malicious cyber actors’Get our new political email, free app or daily news podcastWhen a man with a terminal illness wrote to his local MP Andrew Hastie, telling him he planned on ending his own life with voluntary assisted dying, Microsoft Copilot suggested Hastie reply with “congratulations!”, “great to hear from you” or “that is wonderful news!”.Hastie shared the episode at a parliamentary inquiry on Friday to underline the shortcomings of the American-run software as he called for AI run by Australians. Continue reading...