Technology is constantly evolving, but rarely does it spark such chaos in the industry. The last time technology truly changed the industry was when Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007. Since then, nothing has quite made such a change, until now. Chatbots are taking the industry by storm, popping up all over the internet, and are believed to potentially replace traditional search engines.
Whether it’s text messages, instant messages, or emails, messaging apps have become the preferred method of communication throughout the years. This has spurred brands to incorporate messaging into their websites, eventually leading to chatbots. You may have noticed in recent years that chat boxes pop up when using certain websites and prompt you to use the chat for any questions. These have been used regularly in place of phone calls for several reasons.
Chatbots provide faster customer service, lower labor costs, can be used for multiple customer services, and increase customer satisfaction. However, there are several cons to using AI chatbots, such as limited responses that often lead to frustrated customers and potential loss in sales.
Last year, OpenAI developed and launched Chat GPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot that has revolutionized the concept. Now, cloud computing companies are rushing to produce chatbot tools despite concerns that the technology could hurt parts of their business. One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of chatbots replacing traditional search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
The primary appeal of chatbots is convenience. Rather than pages of blue links to search through, Chatbots provide quick, simple answers in tight sentences. However, their volatility has raised some concerns. According to the New York Times, in one second, the systems impress by fielding a complex request for a five-day itinerary. A moment later, they disturb by taking conversations in dark directions and even launching verbal assaults. Even as businesses race to produce tools and Chatbot capabilities, they also wonder what limitations they will encounter.
Currently, AI companies are allowed to take content because it contributes to search rankings. Still, many wonder what to do if Chatbots start lifting information but sending fewer visitors. If Chatbots are pulling information from other sources to provide answers, what are the limitations? One AI company has already been sued for unlawful copying of images. Courts are the ultimate authority on content ownership and are trying to find ways to traverse this shifting landscape.
Bradley J. Hulbert, a lawyer specializing in this area spoke with the New York Times saying, “The world is facing a new technology, and the law is groping to find ways of dealing with it. No one knows where the courts will draw the lines.”