An AI chatbot launched by the New York Metropolis authorities to assist enterprise house owners entry pertinent data has been spouting falsehoods, at occasions even misinforming customers about actions which might be in opposition to the regulation, in response to a report from . The report, which was co-published with the native nonprofit newsrooms Documented and The Metropolis, consists of quite a few examples of inaccuracies within the chatbot’s responses to questions referring to housing insurance policies, staff’ rights and different subjects.
Mayor Adams’ administration in October as an addition to the MyCity portal, which as “a one-stop store for metropolis companies and advantages.” The chatbot, powered by Microsoft’s Azure AI, is aimed toward present and aspiring enterprise house owners, and was billed as a supply of “actionable and trusted data” that comes instantly from town authorities’s websites. However it’s a pilot program, and a disclaimer on the web site notes that it “could sometimes produce incorrect, dangerous or biased content material.”
In The Markup’s exams, the chatbot repeatedly supplied incorrect data. In response to the query, “Can I make my retailer cashless?”, for instance, it replied, “Sure, you may make your retailer cashless in New York Metropolis” — even supposing New York Metropolis banned cashless shops in 2020. The report reveals the chatbot additionally responded incorrectly about whether or not employers can take their staff’ ideas, whether or not landlords have to just accept part 8 vouchers or tenants on rental help, and whether or not companies have to tell employees of scheduling adjustments. A housing coverage knowledgeable that spoke to The Markup referred to as the chatbot “dangerously inaccurate” at its worst.
Town has indicated that the chatbot remains to be a piece in progress. In a press release to The Markup, Leslie Brown, a spokesperson for the NYC Workplace of Expertise and Innovation, stated the chatbot “has already supplied 1000’s of individuals with well timed, correct solutions,” however added, “We’ll proceed to concentrate on upgrading this instrument in order that we are able to higher assist small companies throughout town.”
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