A former chief of staff to a Tory minister has launched Nostrada, an AI platform that enables users to chat with digital versions of all 650 UK MPs. The AI models, created by Leon Emirali, are designed to replicate the political stances and mannerisms of their human counterparts.
How it Works
The digital twins are trained on vast amounts of written and spoken material from politicians available online. This allows users to ask questions and receive responses that reflect the MPs’ known positions on various issues.
Testing the AI Models
The Guardian tested the AI models by asking the digital twins of cabinet members who they would like to see as the next prime minister after Keir Starmer. Most declined to answer, but Wes Streeting’s AI version suggested he would be interested in the role.
Potential Uses and Risks
Emirali believes the platform can be useful for diplomats, lobbyists, and the public to understand MPs’ stances. However, he acknowledges the risk that voters might rely too heavily on the AI, potentially missing nuances in politics.
Concerns About Accuracy
The accuracy of the chatbots has raised concerns, as they do not learn from user input and may not capture the full complexity of political issues.
Early Adoption
The AI models have already been used by political figures, including accounts linked to the Cabinet Office and foreign embassies, possibly to research the prime minister and his cabinet. Several lobbying and marketing agencies have also utilized the platform.
“Politicians provide such a rich data source because they can’t stop talking,” Emirali said, highlighting the wealth of information available to train the AI models.
As Emirali noted, “There’s too much nuance in politics that the AI may not pick up for voters to rely on it fully.” The hope is that the platform will be used by those with a good understanding of politics, rather than relying solely on it for decision-making.
