Neural Networks in the Spotlight as Policy Debate Unfolds in Russia
In a plenary session, a member of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, Anton Tkachev, who sits with the New People faction, spoke in defense of neural networks and presented text generated by the ChatGPT chatbot. The coverage was reported by TASS, the Russian news agency.
During his remarks, Tkachev drew attention to a striking capability: a neural network can compose a diploma for a student. He contrasted this with a professorial stance that sometimes favors limitations on the use of neural networks by students. The deputy argued that the ChatGPT bot ought to be allowed to demonstrate its own capabilities and to defend them. He urged a stance of openness, suggesting that the technology can be trusted to stand on its own merits.
Following his opening, Tkachev read aloud a passage produced by the neural network. The passage asserted that neural networks should not be banned, arguing that such bans would hinder scientific and technological progress. It framed the issue as a test of freedom in the development of technology and as a barrier to future discovery if restrictions are imposed.
The text also highlighted practical applications for neural networks. It described how these systems can assist in data analysis, pattern recognition, and the classification of images and text. It noted capabilities in speech recognition and suggested that curbs on neural networks could slow advances in multiple fields of study and research. The potential for beneficial outcomes was presented alongside a note of possible risks that accompany widespread use of such technologies.
Meanwhile, former analysts from Rambler&Co were involved in a thoughtful examination of the role of chatbots in human work. They posed a series of questions about neural networks and how humans might implement them in real projects. In addition, they conducted a broad public survey, engaging more than half a million Internet users to gather opinions about media sources and information trust. The exercise explored how people source and evaluate content in an era of intelligent assistants.
With a focus on the interplay between policy and practice, the discussion explored how artificial intelligence tools shape research, media literacy, and everyday decision making. The text read by Tkachev served as an example of how AI-generated content can present arguments and elevate the conversation around responsible use, transparency, and accountability in the adoption of advanced technologies. The exchange underscored the significance of balancing innovation with safeguards that protect educational integrity and critical thinking. It also highlighted the importance of clear norms for the deployment of conversational agents in academic and public settings.