New York City’s AI Chatbot Under Fire: Steering Small Businesses towards Illegal Practices?

4 min read

Happenings

Divisions

Performances

Happenings

Divisions

Performances

NY's AI Chatbot recommends small businesses to violate laws, withhold pay

A chatbot, introduced by New York City's administrators to assist small businesses and property owners, started providing a variety of strange and unusual responses, some even suggesting illegal activities. For instance, it advised an employer to terminate an employee who reported theft.

The MyCity chatbot of New York City, frequently promoted as a resource for local entrepreneurs and property owners to understand city regulations, is being critically examined for providing questionable legal suggestions and possibly promoting illegal activities, as per an article from The Markup.

The MyCity bot, unveiled last October as a component of Mayor Eric Adams' "New York City Artificial Intelligence Plan", was praised as a significant initiative to utilize advanced AI technology for the welfare of the city. Microsoft-backed, the bot was designed to help small businesses and property proprietors navigate intricate legal issues.

Research conducted by The Markup has uncovered worrying errors in the bot's replies. Even though it pulls data from the NYC Department of Small Business Services, the bot repeatedly gives incorrect guidance, occasionally pushing users to break the law.

For example, when the bot was queried about the acceptance of meal coupons, it erroneously claimed that buildings aren't obligated to accept them, which is in direct conflict with anti-discrimination laws. Likewise, it inaccurately asserted that employers are allowed to deduct from their employees' tips and even withhold wages, ignoring labor laws.

Additionally, the bot's answer to a query about terminating an employee for revealing financial data showed a misunderstanding of employment law, which could potentially put businesses at risk of legal issues.

A representative from the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation stood up for the bot, highlighting its trial period and asserting that it has given thousands of correct responses. They admitted the continuous need for enhancements but underscored the bot's warnings about potential hazards.

Even with guarantees, specialists warn about depending on the bot's recommendations, emphasizing the possible legal consequences for users. Due to worries about deceptive instructions, users are encouraged to consult with professional legal advisors for precise information.

The MyCity chatbot is designed to simplify legal queries for businesses, but its limitations highlight the need for carefulness and independent checks when looking for legal counsel. Users need to be careful to prevent unexpected legal outcomes.

(Incorporating information from various sources)

Locate us on YouTube

Highlight Shows

Connected Narratives

Are AI companies facing a downfall? Specialists are of the opinion that we are on the verge of a bubble that's about to explode.

Reality mirrors Black Mirror: OpenAI introduces a new voice imitation AI bot that can mimic any speech after listening to a 15-second snippet.

Microsoft and OpenAI team up for a massive $100 billion Stargate AI supercomputer initiative.

Japan and the US are planning to enhance their teamwork in the fields of AI and semiconductors.

Are AI companies on the verge of a collapse? Experts suggest that we are at the height of a bubble that is on the brink of bursting.

Reality mirrors Black Mirror: OpenAI releases a new voice imitation AI bot that can replicate any speech after hearing a 15-second clip.

Microsoft and OpenAI join forces for a colossal $100 billion Stargate AI supercomputer project.

Japan and the US are set to heighten their joint efforts in AI and semiconductors.

Find us on YouTube.

Highlighted Programs

Associated Articles

Imminent collapse of AI firms? Analysts suggest we're at the pinnacle of a bubble, about to pop

Reality Mimics Black Mirror: OpenAI reveals new AI voice duplication bot capable of repeating any phrase after hearing a 15-second sample

Microsoft and OpenAI collaborate on a $100 billion Stargate AI supercomputer initiative

Japan and the US are set to enhance their partnership in AI and semiconductor technologies

Imminent collapse of AI firms? Analysts suggest we're at the pinnacle of a bubble, about to pop

Reality Mimics Black Mirror: OpenAI reveals new AI voice duplication bot capable of repeating any phrase after hearing a 15-second sample

Microsoft and OpenAI collaborate on a $100 billion Stargate AI supercomputer initiative

Japan and the US are set to enhance their partnership in AI and semiconductor technologies

can be found on YouTube

Firstpost holds all rights and is protected by copyright, valid until 202

You May Also Like

More From Author

+ There are no comments

Add yours