The emerging debate surrounding the human rights implications of language models like ChatGPT is characterized by fascination, strangeness, suspicion, and dread. The potential of generative AI to increase misinformation and lies online while also serving as a tool for exercising freedom of expression. It can both protect and undermine the rights of migrants and refugees and poses risks of discrimination against marginalized groups like the LBGBTI+ community. ChatGPT, as a language model synthesizing ideas from the web, echoes this ambiguity in its response.

ChatGPT acknowledges three contributions of its technology to human rights: increased access to information, improved language translations, and enhanced data analysis for investigating rights violations. However, it also acknowledges three risks: reproducing biases present in the information it learns from, violating privacy through the use of personal data, and enabling abuse without easy accountability. The responsibility lies with the users rather than the corporations behind the technology, who are often secretive about its inner workings.

While the immediate effects of generative AI are essential, the underlying impact is more profound. It challenges the fundamental categories that define human rights. The unregulated use of AI may lead to a flood of impeccable yet false content, undermining the ability to speak truth to power. Models like ChatGPT can potentially manipulate human linguistic codes, reshaping the concepts of rights, norms, and beliefs. ChatGPT raises questions about providing access to information while acknowledging the potential for accurate information and misinformation.

Another aspect often overlooked in the debate is the transformation of the concept of the human within human rights. The discussion primarily focuses on the rights affected by AI rather than questioning the distinction between humans and non-humans as rights subjects. This conversation already exists in various fields, from the philosophy of mind to transhumanism, challenging the anthropocentric nature of modern rights. Some propose granting rights to AI, while others suggest expanding the circle of rights to include the intelligence found in animals, plants, fungi, and ecosystems.

If these questions are not addressed, human rights may struggle to remain relevant in a world influenced by AI, the climate emergency, geopolitical shifts, and weakening democracies. ChatGPT, on the other hand, will undoubtedly have much to contribute to the discourse. 

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