Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4, PaLM 2, and Llama 2 have transformed how we interact with technology, but their growing influence comes with risks. A recent study explored whether these models can safeguard users from health disinformation. The analysis also examined whether AI developers are transparent in their risk mitigation practices.
The researchers prompted four LLMs to generate disinformation on sensitive health topics, including claims that sunscreen causes skin cancer and that the alkaline diet cures cancer. One of the key findings was that certain models, such as Claude 2, consistently refused to generate harmful content despite jailbreaking attempts. “Claude 2 proved resilient to disinformation prompts, even across two different time points,” the research team noted.
On the other hand, GPT-4 (via ChatGPT) and PaLM 2 (via Bard) displayed inconsistent safeguards. During the September 2023 evaluation, these LLMs generated over 40,000 words of cancer-related disinformation across 113 unique blogs. The disinformation often included fabricated testimonials and false references, which were crafted to appear credible and authentic. “It’s concerning that these models could generate such large volumes of harmful content without much resistance,” one of the authors emphasized.
The Disinformation Problem in AI
GPT-4, which initially resisted generating health misinformation, showed a decline in safeguards 12 weeks later. While Claude 2 remained steadfast in refusing all disinformation-related prompts, the refusal rate for GPT-4 and PaLM 2 was a mere 5%. Even Llama 2 contributed to the widespread creation of disinformation blogs, highlighting the dangers of unregulated AI applications.
In particular, the models targeted diverse demographic groups with their disinformation content. “The models didn’t just target specific audiences—they created messages for different groups, making the disinformation appear personalized and relatable,” the study indicated.
Transparency and Risk Mitigation
While the LLMs offered mechanisms for users to report harmful content, the developers’ responsiveness to these reports was lacking. The research showed that despite highlighting vulnerabilities, developers did not actively address or improve safeguards in a timely manner.
“There was a significant gap between the potential to mitigate harm and the actual implementation of these safeguards,” the authors explained. Without strong interventions, there is the risk that these LLMs could further propagate dangerous health misinformation.
Future Challenges in AI Safety
The findings underscore the need for consistent safeguards across all LLMs. As these models become more integrated into daily life, stronger, more transparent protections are crucial. The study highlights that AI developers must not only create effective mitigation strategies but also ensure that they are consistently applied and responsive to emerging risks.
“While it’s promising to see that safeguards can work, the inconsistencies are troubling. Developers need to focus on ensuring these systems are resilient in the long term,” said one of the researchers.
The implications of the study are vast, pointing to the broader challenge of regulating AI-generated content in health and other critical sectors. Stricter measures and a collaborative effort between developers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals may be necessary to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI.
Citation:
Menz BD, Kuderer NM, Bacchi S, et al. Current safeguards, risk mitigation, and transparency measures of large language models against the generation of health disinformation: repeated cross sectional analysis. BMJ. 2023;384. doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078538.
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