A Sydney real estate agent has told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that he used ChatGPT to help write a statement provided to the corruption watchdog, but denied it was written by a former Labor councillor under investigation for allegedly blackmailing a colleague. The revelation came during a hearing on Thursday, shedding light on the intersection of artificial intelligence and legal testimony.
ICAC Inquiry into Alleged Blackmail
The ICAC is investigating whether former Strathfield councillor Sharangan Maheswaran and fellow councillor Karen Pensabene engaged in conduct towards former mayor Matthew Blackmore that involved the dishonest or partial exercise of their official functions and/or a breach of public trust, including conduct which could involve blackmail. The inquiry also examines possible breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act. Maheswaran has denied any wrongdoing and is expected to appear before the commission on Friday.
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ChatGPT's Role in Legal Statements
Mohammad Abedin, the real estate agent, testified that he used ChatGPT to help draft his statement to ICAC. He could not explain why a document titled “Mohammad Abedin statement.docx” was sent by Maheswaran to the lawyer who witnessed Abedin’s statement. Abedin denied that this showed Maheswaran had written it, insisting that he had used the AI tool himself. He also accepted he had no evidence for an allegation of “a dodgy deal out the back” mentioned in the statement about Blackmore, who is not accused of any wrongdoing by ICAC.
Key Takeaways from the Hearing
- Real estate agent Mohammad Abedin used ChatGPT to help write his ICAC statement.
- Abedin denied that former councillor Sharangan Maheswaran authored the statement.
- The ICAC is investigating allegations of blackmail and misconduct against Maheswaran and Pensabene.
- Maheswaran, a former lawyer to fugitive property developer Jean Nassif, has denied wrongdoing.
Comparison: Traditional vs AI-Assisted Statement Writing
| Aspect | Traditional Method | AI-Assisted (e.g., ChatGPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Time-consuming, manual drafting | Faster generation of initial drafts |
| Accuracy | Depends on human recall and precision | May include fabricated details if not verified |
| Legal Admissibility | Generally accepted if properly witnessed | Scrutinized for authenticity and authorship |
| Ethical Concerns | Minimal, standard practice | Raises questions about authorship and truthfulness |
Implications for Real Estate and Legal Sectors
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT in legal statements is a growing concern. While AI can assist in drafting, it raises questions about authenticity and the potential for inaccuracies. In the real estate sector, where professionals often provide statements in legal proceedings, the line between assistance and authorship becomes blurred. This case highlights the need for clear guidelines on AI use in legal contexts.
FAQ
What did the Sydney real estate agent admit to ICAC?
Mohammad Abedin admitted that he used ChatGPT to help write a statement provided to ICAC, but denied that former councillor Sharangan Maheswaran authored it.
Who is under investigation by ICAC?
ICAC is investigating former Strathfield councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene for alleged blackmail and misconduct towards former mayor Matthew Blackmore.
What are the risks of using ChatGPT for legal statements?
Using ChatGPT for legal statements can lead to questions about authenticity, potential inaccuracies, and ethical concerns regarding authorship, as seen in this ICAC inquiry.
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