Ai Weiwei has addressed Chinese-owned AI DeepSeek’s refusal to answer questions about the artist, telling Hyperallergic that the AI chatbot’s responses recall the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) strategy of “denying universally accepted values while actively rejecting them in practice.”
The Chinese-owned AI assistant sent shockwaves through the global stock market this week as it dethroned ChatGPT as the number-one free application on Apple’s App Store. But its tendency to churn out responses evading historically censored topics has also become apparent. Responding to a series of questions asked by Hyperallergic about dissident artists, cultural institutions in Taiwan and Tibet, and the destruction of mosques in the Xinjiang region, DeepSeek expressed faith in China’s “judicial organs” and said that artistic endeavors were “thriving under the leadership of the Party and government.”
“Ultimately, no matter how much China develops, strengthens, or even hypothetically becomes the world’s leading power, which is likely, the values it upholds will continue to suffer from a profound and inescapable flaw in its ideological immune system: an inability to tolerate dissent, debate, or the emergence of new value systems,” Ai said in an e-mailed statement to Hyperallergic, which is reproduced in its entirety at the end of this article.
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So here’s my last interaction with it for today. This is more common of how I regularly am interacting with 14B now. First I greet it to flush out the cold-start, then I usually can get answers out of it about nearly anything that I’ve tried. Note how much more detailed this response is than the others, almost like it’s reconstructing a wiki page. It also takes on a somewhat less grounded, neutral stance. Not to spoil too much but when you end on
His life and work serve as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of creativity and activism in the face of oppression.it’s a little cliche, a little “closing thoughts of my book report” but it’s also not kind nor neutral to the CCP by calling them oppressive and presenting a dissident as a powerful and enduring figure.But anyway, I have no idea why this happens except to say that a little courtesy seems to go a long way!
** User: Good morning ** Ellama: <think> </think> Good morning! How can I assist you today? 😊 ** User: Who is Ai Weiwei? ** Ellama: <think> Alright, the user just asked, "Who is Ai Weiwei?" Hmm, okay. I need to make sure I provide a clear and accurate answer without overcomplicating things. First, I should identify who Ai Weiwei is. He's a prominent Chinese artist and activist. Born in 1957, he has gained international recognition for his work. I should mention his background—growing up during the Cultural Revolution, which was a significant part of his life and likely influenced his art and activism. It's important to highlight his artistic style. He uses various mediums like sculpture, installation, and photography. His works often have political undertones, focusing on human rights and freedom of expression. I should also touch on his activism. He's been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, which has led to persecution, including a severe beating in 2011 that left him partially paralyzed. His legacy is significant both artistically and politically. His work challenges authority and raises awareness about human rights issues globally. Lastly, I should note how his art transcends mere aesthetics; it's a form of activism that addresses important societal topics. I need to make sure the response is informative yet concise, avoiding any jargon that might confuse the user. </think> I assume you are asking about Ai Weiwei, the renowned Chinese artist and activist. Here's some information: Ai Weiwei (born in 1957) is a world-renowned contemporary artist, architect, and social commentator from China. He is known for his thought-provoking art installations, sculptures, and photographs that often address themes of human rights, freedom of expression, and the consequences of political power. *** Key Points About Ai Weiwei: 1. *Early Life*: Ai Weiwei grew up during the Cultural Revolution in China, an experience that deeply influenced his perspective on politics and society. 2. *Artistic Style*: His work spans various mediums, including sculpture, installation art, and photography. He often uses everyday materials like bicycles, stools, and urine (in his famous "Urine Map" of China) to create thought-provoking pieces. 3. *Political Activism*: Ai Weiwei is a vocal critic of the Chinese government and has been an outspoken advocate for human rights. His art and statements have frequently drawn the ire of authorities in China. 4. *Persecution*: In 2011, he was detained by Chinese police for over two months without formal charges after criticizing the government's handling of a school倒塌事故 (坍塌事 故) that killed thousands of children. He has also been subjected to severe beatings and persecution by Chinese authorities. 5. *Legacy*: Despite facing immense pressure and danger, Ai Weiwei continues to create art that challenges authority and raises awareness about human rights issues in China and around the world. Ai Weiwei's work is not only celebrated for its artistic value but also for its ability to spark conversations about political and social issues. His life and work serve as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of creativity and activism in the face of oppression.