Technology Desk: In today's era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an important part of our lives. Apart from studies and office work, people have now started sharing their feelings, sorrow and anger with chatbots. But, when a person uses AI to commit a horrific crime instead of venting his personal anger, the technology does not remain silent. Recently, a similar hair-raising case has come to light from Florida, America, where the wisdom and alertness of a chatbot, ChatGPT, averted a major incident.
Young man drowned in depression and anger after breakup
This whole matter is from Florida, where a 25 year old young man named Darren Zhou had a breakup with his girlfriend. After the breakup of this relationship, Darren continued to live with deep depression and extreme anger.
To vent out his anger and suffocation, he took the help of ChatGPT. Initially he had a general conversation with the chatbot about his old memories, his girlfriend's habits and the pain of breakup. But gradually his words started becoming very scary, violent and deadly.
Creepy conspiracy hatched on chatbot
According to documents presented in the court, Darren started writing dangerous things about his ex-girlfriend on the chatbot. He even wrote that “If that girl can't be mine, I won't let her be anyone else's.”
Darren shares the full outline of his plot with the AI. He told that he was planning to murder his ex-girlfriend. He wrote in the chat that he would kidnap the girl at gunpoint, rape her and keep her hostage. Confirming his scary statements, he also revealed that he has many deadly weapons like AR-15 rifle, Glock pistol and shotgun.
OpenAI's keen eye and immediate action
As soon as Darren's conversations changed from casual chat to serious and life-threatening threats, OpenAI's advanced security system immediately caught it. According to the company's strict policies, if a user is planning violence, self-harm (suicide) or any major crime, he is immediately put under strict surveillance.
Realizing the seriousness and danger of the matter, the company without wasting a moment gave its secret information directly to the Federal Investigation Agency (FBI). FBI officials immediately swung into action and searched Darren's entire chat history for the last two months and collected evidence of his nefarious intentions.
Arrest and confession after two months
After receiving input from the FBI, the police took swift action and arrested Darren Zhou in the month of May. Cases were registered against him under several serious sections like aggravated stalking (harassment), giving written threats of murder and misuse of communication device.
During the hearing of the case on August 13, Darren accepted all three serious charges against him in the court. To avoid a long prison sentence, he pleaded guilty as part of a negotiated deal.
Court's decision and strict punishment
Given the seriousness of the case, Circuit Judge Scott Suscor has sentenced Darren to eight years of probation. Under this punishment he will have to follow several strict conditions:
Ankle Monitor: For the first two years of his sentence, he will have to wear a GPS ankle monitor at all times, so that police can keep track of his location 24 hours a day.
Mandatory Treatment: He must undergo regular mental health evaluations and complete the 'Battler Intervention Program'.
Strict restrictions: The court has completely banned him from possessing alcohol, any kind of drugs and weapons. Also, he cannot contact his ex-girlfriend through any means.