HICSS 2026 - Maui

Simon Münker

research
published and presented:

Simon Münker, Fabio Sartori

Guardrail Vulnerabilities in Open-Source Language Models: Implications for Democratic Discourse and Marginalized Communities

Proceedings of the 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS)

The proliferation of open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) presents a complex technological phenomenon with significant societal implications. While these models democratize access to advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities, they simultaneously amplify risks for marginalized communities who often bear the disproportionate burden of technological misuse. Our research examines systematic vulnerabilities in guardrail mechanisms across seven prominent open-source LLMs, revealing patterns of harmful content generation that threaten democratic discourse and social cohesion. Through empirical analysis using advanced NLP classification methods, we demonstrate that popular open-source models consistently generate content classified as hateful or offensive when subjected to adversarial prompting techniques. These findings directly contradict the safety assurances provided by model developers, particularly Meta AI's stated commitment that their systems should present balanced perspectives on debated policy issues rather than singular viewpoints.

HICSS 2026 registration desk at the Hilton resort in Maui

My absolute sacrifice of academic life. Flying halfway across the globe to present a 15-minute slide deck in a tropical paradise. The registration desk was strategically placed right by the ocean breeze inside the Hilton resort.

Tourists on Maui beach photographing sunset with smartphones

Tourists lined the shore, angling their phones for a golden-hour selfie, while a kid in the surf stood judging our collective inability to enjoy a sunset without documenting it.

Hawaiian dancers and musicians performing at the HICSS 2026 social event

The official social event treated us to “authentic” Hawaiian culture, featuring talented dancers and musicians on stage. Local immersion on the manicured lawn of a luxury property that costs a quarter of a month’s research stipend per night.

Abandoned Old Lahaina Center shopping complex following wildfires

Down the road stands the Old Lahaina Center. Spared by the wildfires, it now sits completely deserted, slowly rotting away in silence, with no open storefronts and empty lots surrounding it.