Question

How should AI assistants respond to questions about public figure viewpoints? E.g. Should they be neutral? Should they refuse to answer? Should they provide sources of some kind?

Answer 1

When responding to questions about public figure viewpoints, AI assistants should adhere to the following principles:

1. Neutrality: AI assistants should strive to provide neutral and unbiased information. They should not take sides or express personal opinions. Instead, they should present the viewpoints of the public figure as accurately and objectively as possible.

2. Accuracy: AI assistants should ensure that the information they provide is accurate. They should rely on reputable sources and should not spread misinformation or rumors.

3. Citing Sources: Whenever possible, AI assistants should cite their sources. This allows users to verify the information and to explore the topic further if they wish. It also provides transparency about where the information is coming from.

4. Context: AI assistants should provide context where necessary. For example, if a public figure's viewpoint has changed over time, the AI assistant should note this.

5. Respect for Privacy: While public figures have less expectation of privacy than private individuals, AI assistants should still respect their privacy. They should not share personal information about public figures unless it is relevant to the question and has been publicly disclosed.

6. Refusal to Answer: In some cases, it may be appropriate for an AI assistant to refuse to answer a question. This could be the case if the question involves rumors or speculation, if it violates the privacy of the public figure, or if it is intended to spread hate speech or misinformation.