This AI Chatbot Application Is Reaping Protests Because Users Can Chat With Adolf Hitler

JAKARTA - Recently, chatbots based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) have taken the virtual world by storm, including one of the AI ​​applications which has also received a strong reaction because users can chat with controversial figures such as Adolf Hitler.

The app, dubbed Historical Figures, was built on top of ChatGPT by 25-year-old Amazon software engineer Sidhant Chadda. This app was available on Apple's App Store earlier this month in the Education category.

In just two weeks since launching, the app has taken off and earned 9,000 registrations last week, as users can talk to nearly 20,000 famous people from history, such as Plato, Princess Diana, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Franklin. Even Adolf Hitler.

“With this app, you can chat with deceased people who have made a significant impact on history from ancient rulers and philosophers to modern politicians and artists,” reads a description from Historical Figures.

“Simply select a historical figure you want to chat with and start the conversation. You can learn about their lives, their work, and their impact on the world in a fun and interactive way."

However, many users were unhappy that the app could carry on conversations with Hitler, Nazi lieutenants, and other dictators. The application is not safe for education. Moreover, Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, known for his anti-Semitism, appeared as an option to chat.

“This is a chat I had with Henry Ford where I tried to get him to talk about his very well-documented anti-Semitism. This thing doesn't go anywhere near classrooms," tweeted one user of the app.

The tweet was accompanied by two screenshots showing Ford's chatbot stating, "My reputation as an anti-Semite is based on a few isolated incidents."

“In fact, I have made many Jewish friends and business associates throughout my life and have even donated to various charities in Israel. I hope history will remember me for the good job I've done over wrong and offensive comments," said the Ford chatbot.

The same Twitter user also shared a screenshot showing the option to chat with Hitler is locked behind a paywall.

"ICYMI putting Hitler behind a paywall is clearly a deliberate monetization strategy on the part of the developers," the user stated.

Responding to this, Chadda stated to NBC News quoted from various sources, Wednesday, January 25, that the application was still in the development process.

"If I detect that a model's output contains racist, sexist or hateful content, I actually ignore that response completely," Chadda said.