World • 2h ago
#QuitGPT: Can an AI boycott really change big tech?
**Naija Tech Activists Join Global Boycott: Can #QuitGPT Change Big Tech?.**
In recent weeks, a growing movement has been gaining momentum across the globe, with thousands of Nigerians joining the global campaign to boycott the popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The hashtag #QuitGPT, which began with a few quiet posts on tech forums and Reddit, has now grown to over 4 million participants worldwide, with the numbers still rising.
But what sparked this global movement, and can it really bring about change in the tech industry? For our tech-savvy readers, the answer lies in a series of events that have raised concerns about the ethics of AI development.
First, it was the revelation that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, had made a significant donation to a pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc. This sparked outrage in the US, with many calling for a boycott of the platform. However, it was a recent deal between OpenAI and the White House that sent the campaign global.
In February, OpenAI signed an agreement to deploy its AI models on the Pentagon's classified network, just hours after its rival, Anthropic, refused to do so. This move raised concerns about the potential use of AI for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Nigerians, who are increasingly concerned about the impact of AI on society, have joined the global movement to express their disapproval.
But can a boycott like #QuitGPT really bring about change in the tech industry? According to American University Professor Dana Fisher, who specializes in activism, the number of people taking part in a boycott needs to be proportionate to the number of users on the platform. With over 4 million participants worldwide, the #QuitGPT campaign is certainly making a statement.
According to reports, 1.5 million people left the ChatGPT platform in the immediate aftermath of the Pentagon deal, with mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower recording a 295 percent spike in ChatGPT app uninstalls above the usual daily baseline. This is a significant number, and it suggests that the #QuitGPT campaign is having a real impact.
As the global conversation around AI continues to grow, it's clear that Nigerians are playing a significant role in shaping the discussion. With the #QuitGPT campaign, we're seeing a renewed focus on the ethics of AI development and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry. Only time will tell if the movement can bring about lasting change, but one thing is certain: Nigerians are now an integral part of the global conversation around AI.