Politics

Andrew Hastie discusses AI response to assisted dying inquiry

The Guardian · September 18, 2026Original source ↗

Andrew Hastie discusses AI response to assisted dying inquiry

What happened

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie reported that when a constituent planning to use assisted dying contacted him, Microsoft Copilot suggested he respond with phrases like 'congratulations!' Hastie presented this incident at a parliamentary inquiry to highlight the limitations of AI technology.

Why it matters

This story raises concerns about the effectiveness and appropriateness of AI tools in sensitive situations.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are a terminally ill patient considering assisted dying?

This story directly affects you as it raises concerns about how AI may misinterpret or mishandle sensitive communications regarding your choices. The incident underscores the need for more human oversight in discussions about assisted dying, which could impact the quality of support you receive.

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