The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) is stepping up the warning on the potential threat of the rapid development of chatbot technology to consumers, and they are calling on EU bodies to carry out investigations into the risk posed. BEUC is an umbrella group covering consumer protection organizations in thirty-two countries and they are specifically concerned over the influence the bots may have on youngsters.
In particular, chat…bots powered by ChatGPT, such as Microsoft’s Bing AI, are apparently far more advanced than Google’s Bard at present. There are concerns that inaccuracies from AI responses to enquiries could be taken up as credible and true, especially by the younger generation. BEUC’s Deputy Director General, Ursula Pachl, wrote to the European Commission and Consumer Protection Cooperation Network asking them to consider the risks involved and to look into any necessary remedial action to protect the public.
The warning has been previously voiced, including a letter signed by tech giants such as Steve Wozniak and Elon Musk. The letter pointed out the speed of the development of AI projects, believing the growth to be a threat to the society at large. Musk has just introduced a new AI called ‘TruthGPT’, which claims to be a truth-seeking AI yet to be tested.
Microsoft is an international technology company offering computing products and services that are innovative and accessible to people globally. Founded in 1975, Microsoft is one of the world’s largest technology companies with locations in more than 100 countries. They specialize in creating products that range from personal items such as Surface Laptops to larger-scale items like their cloud services.
Ursula Pachl is currently the Deputy Director General of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). Prior to this role, she has worked for consumer organizations in Germany, the UK and Ireland. Pachl is a strong advocate for consumer protection and has investigated the use of AI technology in consumer markets. She is also an active member of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network.
