I’m thrilled to sit down with Donald Gainsborough, a political savant and leader in policy and legislation, who is at the helm of Government Curated. With his extensive expertise in navigating complex political landscapes and emerging technologies, Donald offers a unique perspective on both the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in public life and the intricacies of data privacy in the digital age. Today, we’ll dive into the controversial withdrawal of a Detroit school board candidate over the use of ChatGPT, as well as explore the critical role of cookies in shaping online experiences. Our conversation touches on the intersection of technology and ethics, the evolving norms of political campaigns, and how websites balance functionality with user privacy.
Can you walk us through the circumstances that led to the Detroit school board candidate withdrawing from the race?
Well, Ethan, the situation in Detroit unfolded when questions arose about the candidate’s reliance on ChatGPT for crafting campaign materials, possibly including speeches or policy statements. This sparked a significant backlash, as some felt it raised concerns about authenticity and whether the candidate’s ideas were truly their own. Ultimately, the mounting scrutiny and public pressure seemed to play a key role in their decision to step back from the race.
What made the use of ChatGPT such a contentious issue in this particular election?
I think it boils down to trust and transparency. Voters expect candidates to present their own thoughts and values, especially for something as personal and community-focused as a school board position. Using an AI tool like ChatGPT can create a perception of inauthenticity, as if the candidate is outsourcing their voice. It’s not just about the tool itself, but about whether people feel they’re getting the real person or a polished, machine-generated version.
How do you see AI tools like ChatGPT shaping the future of political campaigns or candidacies?
AI is already transforming how campaigns operate, from drafting content to analyzing voter data. Looking ahead, I believe we’ll see more candidates leveraging these tools for efficiency, but it’s a double-edged sword. While AI can streamline communication, it risks alienating voters if overused or undisclosed. We might see a push for regulations or norms around transparency, ensuring candidates are upfront about how they’re using technology to engage with the public.
Shifting gears to digital privacy, can you explain what cookies are and why websites rely on them so heavily?
Absolutely. Cookies are small bits of data that a website stores on your device when you visit it. They’re essentially memory aids—helping the site remember things like your login details, language preferences, or items in your shopping cart. Beyond convenience, they’re crucial for website owners to understand user behavior, improve functionality, and even tailor content or ads. Without cookies, every visit would feel like starting from scratch.
Your policy highlights ‘Strictly Necessary Cookies’ that users can’t opt out of. Why are these so essential to a website’s operation?
These cookies are the backbone of a website’s basic functionality. They handle critical tasks like displaying the cookie consent banner, remembering your privacy settings, or ensuring secure logins. If these are blocked, core features of the site—like navigation or authentication—might break down, leaving users with a frustrating or incomplete experience. That’s why they’re non-negotiable in most cases.
You also don’t allow opting out of Functional and Performance Cookies. What’s the rationale behind that decision?
Functional and Performance Cookies go beyond the bare minimum to enhance the user experience. Functional ones remember your preferences, like layout or font size, while Performance Cookies help us analyze how the site is running—think loading times or error rates. We view these as integral to delivering a smooth, user-friendly experience, which is why we’ve made them mandatory. Blocking them could degrade how the site feels or performs for the user.
For cookies tied to personalizing content and ads, like Social Media and Targeting Cookies, how do they actually work to customize a user’s experience?
These cookies collect data on user behavior—things like browsing history, clicks, or interactions with social media plugins. That information helps tailor content or advertisements to match individual interests. For instance, if you’ve been reading about education topics, you might see related articles or ads. It’s about relevance, but it’s also why we offer opt-out options for these categories, as they involve more personal data and some users prefer not to be tracked in that way.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the role of AI and data privacy in shaping public trust, whether in politics or online interactions?
I think we’re at a critical juncture. AI and data privacy are becoming central to how people perceive fairness and authenticity, whether it’s a candidate using tech tools or a website handling personal info. My forecast is that trust will hinge on transparency—clear disclosure of AI use in campaigns and robust, user-friendly privacy controls online. Without that, skepticism will grow, and we risk a widening gap between institutions and the public. Both fields need proactive policies to balance innovation with accountability.
