Baidu's Douyin AI Assistant Misled User Over Flight Refund Fee, Denied 600-Yuan Compensation

According to Guru Club on May 20, an AI chatbot user was misled by Baidu's Douyin assistant over a flight refund after being told the airline's cancellation fee was 5%, when it actually totaled 40%, resulting in a 600-yuan loss. After discovering the error, the user said Douyin promised full compensation and pledged to repay the 600 yuan by May 6. However, when the deadline passed, the platform claimed it could not transfer funds as it is an AI without banking capabilities.

The user subsequently sued Douyin's operator, Beijing Chunitian Zhiyun Technology Company, on May 12. Meanwhile, Douyin suggested the user could win a lawsuit without hiring a lawyer. Beijing lawyer Deng Yile from Star Power Law Firm stated that AI-generated compensation promises lack legal validity, as AI lacks civil subject status and cannot independently make legally binding statements.