Seattle Worldcon’s Chair Clarifies Use of ChatGPT and Offers Another Apology

Seattle Worldcon faced backlash for using AI tools like ChatGPT during participant vetting, leading to resignations and Hugo Award concerns. Chair Kathy Bond apologized but revealed her team reviewed data sources from ChatGPT before making decisions, resulting in a few disqualifications, including Yoon Ha Lee pulling his novel from consideration. Bond is now working with volunteers to redo part of the vetting process and has pledged transparency and accountability to regain trust. The incident underscores Seattle's commitment to ensuring fairness moving forward as they address how AI was used without involvement in Hugo Award decisions.