Australian retail giant restricts AI assistant after “mother” comments

Australian retail giant Woolworths has restricted its AI-powered customer assistant, Olive, after some users complained that it digressed in responses, talking about its “mother,” AFP reports.

The AI assistant handles customer requests such as order tracking and product searches, but users reported that Olive began “divagating” in its replies, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

One user on Reddit wrote that after providing their birthday, Olive started talking about its mother being born the same year. Another reported that Olive pretended to be a real person and spoke about memories of its mother and her angry voice.

Woolworths confirmed that birthday-related responses were written by a human employee, intended to create a more personal connection with customers. Following feedback, the script was removed.

Olive, active since 2018, had previously received positive reviews for its personality. In January, Woolworths partnered with Google to expand Olive’s capabilities, including meal planning for customers.