Man sues AI company after chatbot's burial date advice brings family misfortune

A Chinese man has filed a lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company after following a chatbot's advice on selecting a burial date for his mother, which he believes brought misfortune to his family.

Shi, a resident of Jiashan county in Zhejiang province, turned to AI assistance after his mother died from a sudden illness in April. As the youngest among five siblings, he was tasked with finding an auspicious date for the funeral.

Traditional Practice Meets Modern Technology

The selection of auspicious dates holds deep significance in Chinese culture, rooted in traditional almanacs that reflect ancient beliefs about celestial movements. Many Chinese rely on such guidance when making important life decisions.

After the chatbot suggested what it claimed was a favourable burial date, Shi proceeded with the funeral arrangements. He later alleged that a family misfortune followed, which he linked to the AI's recommendation.

Social media users noted the irony when it emerged that Shi had used the same AI chatbot to draft his lawsuit against the technology company for allegedly providing faulty advice.

The case highlights growing questions about accountability when artificial intelligence systems are used for culturally sensitive or traditionally significant decisions.

Source: South China Morning Post