Bunnings has responded after its AI-powered chatbot, fancying itself a tradie, illegally advised a Queensland customer on how to rewire an extension cord.
The chat was brought to the attention of Redditors via a screenshot shared on the Australia thread earlier this week. In the exchange, the user asked the AI chatbot — which appears on the Bunnings website — how to replace the plug socket of an extension cord.
The bot, forgetting it’s not Scott Cam, then provided a step-by-step guide for replacing the plug, including instructions on opening the casing and stripping back and reconnecting wires. I’m no sparkie, but even I know that exposed wires are perilous and best left for the pros.
If all of that sounds like an electrocution and some extremely frizzy hair waiting to happen, that’s because… it kind of is. In the state of Queensland, the Electrical Safety Act 2002 makes it an offence for those without a licence to perform electrical work.
In other words, the user would’ve broken the law if they followed through with the chatbot’s advice, since the Queensland Electrical Safety Office (where I imagine they all listen to AC/DC) specifically lists replacing or modifying extension cord plugs as a prohibited DIY job.
While it did mention some safety precautions, like replacing the plug “with care” and “seeking assistance” if unsure, the chatbot did not explicitly say that an unlicensed person should perform such tasks.
“Wanted to see how cautious the new ‘Bunnings AI’ feature was,” the Redditor wrote.
“Turns out it will just give you straight out illegal advice. Appliance [or] extension cord work requires a qualified person in Queensland.”
Bunnings has since reacted to the snafu, with Chief Information Officer Gen Elliott saying in a statement to PEDESTRIAN.TV that the company is “aware of reports that the Bunnings AI Assistant provided guidance on electrical work that should only be carried out by a licensed professional”.
“The safety of our customers is our number one priority … We take this matter seriously and immediately further strengthened our safeguards to ensure that any request for advice related to electrical, plumbing or other licensed work is referred to a qualified tradesperson,” Elliott said.
The hardware store added that it has received overall “positive feedback” about its chatbot, and but said that “like any AI model, there is always a small risk of an incorrect or unexpected responses”.
“As an additional measure, we’ve also included information above the chat box advising users advice is general and electrical, plumbing or other licensed work should be consulted by a qualified tradesperson.”
When all is said and done, perhaps a better use of the Bunnings chatbot would be to advise James Charles of the difference between a sausage sizzle and a hot dog?
Lead images: Getty Images and Reddit
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