Shady businesses, you're on notice. This robot lawyer is coming after you if you play dirty.
Noted legal aid chatbot DoNotPay just announced a massive expansion, which will help users tackle issues in 1,000 legal areas entirely for free. The new features, which launched on Wednesday, cover consumer and workplace rights, and will be available in all 50 states and the UK.
While the bot will still help drivers contest parking tickets and refugees apply for asylum, the service will now also help those who want to report harassment in the workplace or who simply want a refund on a busted toaster.
"The expansion is into consumer rights, from fighting your landlord to getting a refund when something isn't delivered on time," says DoNotPay creator Joshua Browder. "I think businesses should be forced to treat consumers better, and consumer rights bots will hopefully change that."
Lawyers, after all, are notoriously expensive. But DoNotPay's lawyers are free. And these automated lawyers are especially helpful for low-income individuals who need to fight common legal issues.
"I hope DoNotPay gives more people a way to stand up for their rights."
Through DoNotPay, a user has a simple, instant message-like conversation with a bot by typing their issue in their own words. Even colorful complaints like, "My airline screwed me" will be registered by the system.
Then, a virtual lawyer decides how to best help a user based on their answers to a series of questions. The bot usually crafts a claims letter with the the information provided, potentially saving hundreds of dollars in legal fees. DoNotPay can also connect users to outside aid, like a nonprofit that provides pro bono representation or avenues for action in more serious cases.
The legal guidance is free, instant, and — in some cases — life-changing.