US technology experts are raising concerns about data security, voter trust, and potential misinformation as an artificial intelligence (AI) phone-banking tool gets its first real-world test in a Pennsylvania Democrat's congressional campaign. The tool, named Ashley, is a chatbot developed by Civox, a startup company, and powered entirely by AI technology. It engages in two-way, interactive conversations with voters about candidate Shamaine Daniels, who is running in the next year's primary. The tool has already completed over 1,000 calls with likely Democratic primary voters in Pennsylvania's 10th House district.

Unlike traditional robocallers, Ashley does not use canned responses or offer menu options. Instead, it utilizes generative AI technology to provide immediate humanlike responses to voter questions. The tool was created by Civox in partnership with another company called Conversation Labs. According to Civox CEO Ilya Mouzykantskii and co-founder Adam Reis, the tool underwent rigorous testing to ensure accurate answers to questions about Daniels' policies and what sets her apart from other candidates in the race. The founders decided to give the tool a machine-like voice based on preferences expressed by call recipients during internal testing.

During a demonstration, Ashley disclosed that it was powered by AI and that the call was being recorded. It was able to provide clear and accurate information about Daniels' positions on affordable healthcare and education reform. However, the tool occasionally struggled with off-topic questions, providing false information such as describing Cheetos as "both delicious and health-conscious." This is an example of an AI "hallucination," a known issue with generative AI technology where the tool may produce convincing but false statements.

Joe Bachman, a spokesperson for Daniels, noted that voter responses to Ashley have been mixed. While some engage in thorough conversations, others provide one-word answers, similar to interactions with a banking chatbot. Bachman acknowledges that live one-on-one conversations are irreplaceable and believes it will take time for voters to become accustomed to the new technology, comparing it to the initial adoption of SMS text messaging by campaigns.

Despite the potential benefits of reaching diverse populations, entrepreneurs at the intersection of AI and politics express skepticism about Ashley's direct interaction with voters. Betsy Hoover, a founding partner at the progressive tech accelerator Higher Ground Labs, advises campaigns to utilize AI technology on the back end, such as in drafting advertising copy, rather than using AI personalities for direct voter interaction. Mike Nellis, CEO of the progressive digital agency Authentic, raises concerns about the chatbot potentially making mistakes in conversations and the security of the data gathered through its phone calls.

Civox CEO Mouzykantskii asserts that voter information is protected in line with industry standards and emphasizes the need for regulators to establish stronger guidelines for emerging AI tools. Shamaine Daniels, an immigration lawyer and member of the Harrisburg City Council, is making her second run for the congressional seat in a Republican-leaning district. The state's primary election is scheduled for April 23. In 2022, Daniels was defeated by incumbent Rep. Scott Perry by 8 percentage points, with Perry significantly outspending her.

The Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report. The Associated Press receives support from private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy.