The Financial Times has recently unveiled a new generative AI chatbot known as Ask FT, specifically designed to furnish responses to inquiries posed by its subscribers. This sophisticated AI tool draws upon the publication’s extensive archives to offer comprehensive and bespoke replies to a wide array of questions.
A distinguishing feature of Ask FT is its unique capability to sift through decades of published information from the Financial Times, ensuring that the responses provided are well-informed and grounded in credible sources. In contrast to other AI bots, Ask FT delivers a curated natural language response derived from the outlet’s reputable and extensive collection of articles.
When presented with a query such as “Who is in charge of Microsoft’s AI products?” Ask FT promptly delivered an up-to-date response, citing recent news regarding Microsoft’s new AI team leader, Mustafa Suleyman. Additionally, the chatbot supplies a list of the FT articles from which the information was sourced, along with the respective time periods in which these articles were penned.
While Ask FT has undeniably proven to be a valuable resource for accessing accurate and relevant information, there have been instances in which inconsistencies have been detected. For example, during testing, the tool yielded outdated information in response to a question about the 2024 US presidential election, indicating that Nikki Haley was still a candidate despite having already withdrawn from the race.
At present, Ask FT is accessible to a select group of paid subscribers in the FT Professional tier, catering to business professionals and institutions. Powered by Claude, the large language model developed by Anthropic, the chatbot is the result of meticulous testing and refinements to ensure that it meets the needs of its users.
Ask FT is equipped to address a wide range of inquiries, encompassing current events, broader themes, and historical questions necessitating a deep dive into the FT’s archives. From inquiries regarding Intel’s government funding to the environmental impact of cryptocurrency, the chatbot is designed to navigate the FT’s rich repository of information, summarising the relevant details with proper citations.
Undoubtedly, the development of Ask FT signifies a considerable stride in the integration of AI technology within the realm of journalism and media. With its ability to provide accurate and extensive information, the chatbot establishes a new standard for user engagement and accessibility to valuable insights.
Although Ask FT’s availability is presently confined to a specific group of subscribers, the Financial Times intends to continue testing and refining the chatbot’s capabilities before broadening its accessibility. As the media landscape evolves, the introduction of AI tools like Ask FT underscores the adaptability and innovation of established institutions such as the Financial Times.