Despite the issues, the chatbot remains online and continues to provide incorrect information, such as suggesting store owners can go cashless, despite a 2020 law banning this. The chatbot also incorrectly states the city's minimum wage is $15 per hour, even though it was raised to $16 in 2024. Microsoft, which provides the AI service for the chatbot, is working with the city to fix the problems. The city's Office of Technology and Innovation expects to significantly mitigate inaccurate answers by next week.
Key takeaways:
- New York City's artificial intelligence chatbot, MyCity, has been providing incorrect advice to business owners, including information that could lead to legal issues.
- The chatbot, which was launched as a pilot in October, is the first city-wide use of such AI technology and was designed to provide “actionable and trusted information” to business queries.
- Mayor Eric Adams defended the chatbot, stating that it is a pilot program and that issues are expected when new technology is implemented.
- Despite the issues, the chatbot remains online and continues to provide incorrect information, including outdated minimum wage rates and incorrect advice on cashless operations.