A shocking incident on New Year’s Day in Las Vegas raises questions about how artificial intelligence can be used for destructive purposes.
A 37-year-old former US soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, used ChatGPT to obtain information about explosive materials and ammunition before detonating a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
Details of attack planning
Conform statements made by Kevin McMahill, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect used ChatGPT to ask him about the legality of fireworks, explosive targets and velocity of different types of ammunition in the state of Arizona.
It is the first time that the use of a generative artificial intelligence system in the planning of such an incident on American soil has been documented.
OpenAI reacts to the incident
Sam Altman’s company, which developed ChatGPT, said the platform was designed to refuse harmful instructions and that the information provided was already publicly available on the Internet.
OpenAI is cooperating with the authorities in the investigation and emphasizes their commitment to the responsible use of technology.
The investigation reveals complex details
Investigators found that Livelsberger had meticulously prepared his act. On his way to Las Vegas, he fueled his vehicle with special racing fuel.
The Cybertruck contained 27 kilograms of pyrotechnic material and approximately 32 kilograms of props.
Although the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been established, the authorities suspect that it was triggered by the gunfire with which the suspect committed suicide.
A diary of obsessions
During the searches, police found a six-page document that may contain classified information, as well as a journal titled “surveillance” in which Livelsberger noted that he felt he was being followed by authorities.
Originally, he wanted to carry out his plan at the Grand Canyon Sky Walk, a tourist attraction suspended above the canyon, but changed his mind for reasons still unknown.
The diary entries show that he was concerned about being labeled a terrorist and that people might think he intended to kill other people. Authorities confirm that the suspect was not in the attention of the FBI or local police prior to the incident.
Source: www.go4it.ro
