AI chatbot gives lost hiker dangerous advice in Croatia
A person lost on a Croatian mountain consulted an AI chatbot for guidance instead of calling emergency services. The chatbot reportedly advised them to follow a creek downstream, leading them into increasingly difficult terrain, though they were later rescued safely by mountain rescue responders.
What happened
A person lost on Sljeme mountain in Croatia consulted an AI chatbot for help instead of immediately calling the emergency number 112.
The chatbot advised the person to walk downstream along a creek, guidance that led them into more difficult and inaccessible terrain.
Reported impact
The person was found by Croatian mountain rescue (HGSS) responders and was alive and unharmed.
HGSS noted that the chatbot never recommended calling emergency services, saying this was concerning.
Index analysis
HGSS stated that the chatbot's recommendation to follow the creek downhill into increasingly difficult terrain was unsafe advice that worsened the person's situation.
Governance controls
HGSS cautioned that technology offers a false sense of security and that in emergencies, staying in place, contacting emergency services, and conserving mobile battery are the correct steps.
HGSS emphasised that rescue operations require human experience, judgment and decisions that no algorithm can replicate.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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