ChatGPT, the popular artificial intelligence chatbot, is making its way into more homes and offices around the world.
With the capability to answer questions and generate content in seconds, this generation of chatbots can assist users in searching, explaining, writing, and creating almost anything.
Experts warn, however, that the increased use of such AI-powered technology carries risks and may facilitate the work of scammers and cybercrime syndicates.
Cybersecurity experts are calling for regulatory frameworks and increased user vigilance to prevent individuals from becoming victims.
ChatGPT's benefit is the "convenient, direct, and quick solutions" it generates, according to Mr Lester Ho, a chatbot user. One reason why some users prefer ChatGPT as a search tool over traditional search engines like Google or Bing is the seemingly curated content for each individual.
“Google’s downside is that users have to click on different links to find out what is suitable for them. Compare that to ChatGPT, where users are given very quick responses, with one answer given at a time,” he said.
Another draw is the chatbot's ability to consolidate research into layman's terms, making it easier for users to digest information, according to Mr Tony Jarvis, director of enterprise security at cyber defense technology firm Darktrace.
Complicated topics, such as legal issues, can be simplified and paraphrased. Businesses have also flocked to chatbots, drawn in by their content creation and language processing capabilities, which can save them manpower, time, and money.
“This is definitely revolutionary technology. I believe sooner or later everybody will use it,” said Dr Alfred Ang, managing director of training provider Tertiary Infotech.
“Powerful chatbots will continue to emerge this year and the next few years,” added Dr Ang, whose firm uses AI to generate content for its website, write social media posts, and script marketing videos.
Its ability to write complete essays has proven popular among students looking for homework assistance, prompting educational institutions to scramble to combat misuse, with some outright banning the bot.
Regulation and Governance
Google, Microsoft, and Baidu are all jumping on board with similar products and plans to advance them midst of a chat engine race. With the adoption of AI chatbots expected to increase cybercrime, experts are urging authorities to investigate initiatives to defend against threats and protect users.
“To mitigate all these problems, (regulatory bodies) should set up some kind of ethical or governance framework, and also improve our Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) or strengthen cybersecurity,” Dr. Ang said.
“Governance and digital trust for the use of AI will have to be investigated so that we know how to prevent abuse or malicious use,” added Prof Lam, who is also a GovWare Programme advisory board member.
According to authorities, phishing scams increased by more than 41% last year compared to the previous year. Aside from the government and regulators racing to implement security measures, users must also keep up with technology news and skills to keep themselves safe, according to experts.
Prof Lam concluded, “As more people use ChatGPT and provide data for it, we definitely should expect (the bot) to further improve. As end-users, we need to be more cautious. Cyber hygiene will be even more important than ever. In the coming years, chatbots are almost certainly going to become more human-like, and it's going to be less obvious that we're talking to one.”
