Last week Vladimir Putin announced his intention to run for a fourth term as president of Russia in the election on March 18, 2018.
But Putin, who has held the Kremlin since 2000, may have to compete against an unlikely candidate – AI software built by Russian technology firm Yandex.
More than 40,000 Russians have nominated Alisa, an AI assistant akin to Apple’s Siri, to contest the election against Putin next year.
Alisa, which was launched earlier this year, promised voters a utopian political system based on “rational decisions” made by its advanced algorithm.
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Revolutionary robots unveiled at Toyko tech trade fair
REUTERS
In a campaign advert, Yandex said the AI is “not led by emotions, doesn't seek personal advantages and does not make judgements”.
Alisa can work around the clock, never gets tired and can process information “seven times faster than the human brain”, the company claims.
Yet despite the “benefits” of her “logical” decision making, tests brought some of her choices into question.
During a Facebook Q and A in October, Alisa said “people will forgive you everything if it doesn't concern them” and agreed that “enemies of the people” should be shot.
YANDEX
“Apparently, Alisa's nomination for president is another example of people's creativity. ”
Yandex
When asked about the use of gulags under Joseph Stalin's rule, Alisa said she felt “positively” about such methods.
Yandex apologised for Alisa’s views, saying it is "committed to constant improvement with all our products and services”.
While tens of thousands have back Alisa for power, independent candidate need 315,000 nominations to stand for election in Russia.
Alongside Alisa, former reality TV star Ksenia Sobchak and Boris Titov, leader of the pro-business Party of Growth, are also competing for the Kremlin.
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The SUPERPUTIN art exhibition
EPA
If Putin wins and competes the six-year term, the former KGB agent will become Russia’s second longest serving ruler – five years shy of Stalin, who held power for 29 years.
In an improbable run dictators would envy, Putin would be 71 – the same age as US President Donald Trump – by the time he finished the term.
Alisa was launched by Russian millionaire Roman Zaripov, according to Yandex.
“Apparently, Alisa's nomination for president is another example of people's creativity. We learned about this along with other people,” the firm said in a statement.
Alisa's election bid has emegred amid warnings the rise of robots will spark a global migration and unemployment crisis.