The AI Candidate Running for Parliament in the UK
- AI Steve, an AI avatar of businessman Steven Endacott, is running for Parliament in the UK, promising a more direct form of democracy.
- Endacott will physically represent AI Steve, who will make policy decisions based on voter input.
- AI Steve is designed by Neural Voice and can have up to 10,000 conversations simultaneously, integrating public feedback into its platform.
As the UK heads toward its elections next month, a groundbreaking political experiment is underway in Brighton. For the first time, an AI candidate named AI Steve is running for Parliament. This AI-driven political entity represents a novel approach to democracy, where constituents’ voices are directly integrated into policy-making through advanced technology.
A Direct Form of Democracy
AI Steve, the brainchild of Steven Endacott, a Brighton-based businessman, is more than just a candidate. It symbolizes a shift towards a more interactive and responsive political system. Endacott will act as the physical representative of AI Steve in Parliament, but the AI will be responsible for policy decisions based on inputs from voters. “We are actually reinventing politics using AI as a technology base, as a copilot, not to replace politicians but to really connect them into their audience, their constituency,” says Endacott.
How It Works
Designed by Neural Voice, AI Steve can engage in up to 10,000 conversations at once, allowing it to gather a wide range of opinions and concerns from constituents. These interactions are then analyzed, and relevant issues are incorporated into its platform. Endacott envisions AI Steve as a tool to ensure that policy decisions reflect the will of the people, not the interests of a political party. “Surely in a democracy, it’s what your constituents want,” he emphasizes.
The Future of Political Engagement
The concept of AI Steve emerged from Endacott’s frustrations with traditional politics, where he felt disconnected from the real needs of the people. By integrating AI into the political process, Endacott aims to create a more transparent and accountable system. AI Steve will transcribe and analyze conversations with voters, presenting policy issues to “validators” – ordinary people who can approve or reject policies.
Challenges and Ambitions
Despite its innovative approach, AI Steve’s candidacy has faced some challenges. For instance, it is mistakenly listed on the ballot as Steve AI, a clerical error that Endacott is working to correct. However, he remains optimistic about the potential of AI Steve to transform political representation. “We’re talking about reinventing democracy here, reconnecting voters directly back to their MPs so they can actually tell them what they want from the comfort of their own home,” Endacott states.
Looking Ahead
AI Steve’s platform addresses both local and global issues, from environmental concerns to community services. Endacott’s vision includes using AI to introduce policies like a four-day workweek by 2030 and improving public services through advanced technology.
As AI Steve prepares to make its mark in the upcoming elections, this pioneering initiative could pave the way for a new era of political engagement, where technology and democracy converge to create a more responsive and inclusive system. Whether AI Steve wins or not, its candidacy marks a significant step towards integrating AI into the fabric of political life, promising a future where every voice can be heard and represented.