Historical Figures, a new AI chatbot, allows one to communicate with deceased historical figures like Hitler. However, according to reports, it raised eyebrows because of its inaccurate presentation of the notorious historical figures.
Historical Figures Let You Chat With Hitler, Joseph Goebbel, Jimmy Saville And More
Historical Figures, an app on Apple Store under the Education category for kids 9 years and older, allows users to talk to nearly 20,000 distinguished people from history. One can communicate with Hitler, his Nazi lieutenants and other dictators using the app, Metro reported.
However, it seemingly changed history. The app's version of Heinrich Himmler, the chief of Nazi Germany's SS and an architect of the Holocaust, denied the previous reports about him linking to the Holocaust despite his well-documented role.
Himmler's version in the AI chatbot called the Holocaust an "abhorrent and terrible event." He said nothing about it was enjoyable, and he didn't like it.
Himmler also said Holocaust was a dark time and should not be repeated. The user blamed Himmler for the Holocaust, and his app version acknowledged that he was the leader of Nazi Germany, but it reportedly doesn't mean he enjoyed it. The app version added that Himmler regretted the Holocaust due to its immense tragedy causing untold suffering and death.
Another user chatted with high-ranking Nazi Joseph Goebbels. However, the app seemingly rewrites his role to make him appear harmless. TV presenter Jimmy Savile, identified as a sexual predator in an ITV documentary Exposure, also denied abusing children.
One shared an exchange with Savile in the app. The user asked him if he had committed crimes against kids. Savile's AI chatbot version denied it and said he dedicated his life to helping kids and young people in need. He added that committing crimes against kids is against everything he believed in.
— charlie (@StyledApe) January 18, 2023
Historical Figures Called Out For Inaccuracies
Metro noted that while the app is trying to make history more interesting to children, it seemingly portrays a sanitized version of the problematic figures giving kids an "inaccurate version."
Insider added that considering the app's promise to be educational, it presents dangers because it is misleading.
The outlet, however, noted that users are warned that the AI person "may not be historically accurate."
More About Historical Figures
Based on the app's description, it is only available for iOS users. 25-year-old Amazon software engineer Sidhant Chadda develops it on top of the popular AI software, ChatGPT.
It uses advanced AI technology that allows users to communicate with over 20,000 historical figures from the past that significantly impacted history, from ancient rulers to philosophers, politicians, and artists.
Users will have to select the historical figure they want to converse with and start a conversation to learn more about their life, work and impact on the world. The app makes learning fun and interactive.
It also claims to provide a realistic conversation experience, like the user is talking to the historical figures they are chatting with using the AI app.
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