Nextdoor launches first generative AI “Assistant” for UK neighbourhoods
Leveraging cutting-edge language analysis technology, the test of new “Assistant” feature will help UK neighbours personalise content to drive positive community engagement and better match content to the needs and interests of neighbours
UK expansion follows the success of the recent US test launch and accelerates use of generative AI models to serve both neighbours and businesses on Nextdoor
These features were developed with OpenAI, leveraging ChatGPT API
LONDON, UK, June 12, 2023 — Today, Nextdoor (NYSE: KIND), the neighborhood network, expanded the integration of generative AI technologies to the UK, marking the first regional test launch of the new “Assistant” feature outside of the United States. Generative AI applications on Nextdoor are built on the foundations of the platform’s unique local knowledge graph to enhance the neighborhood experience. “Assistant” can be used when writing a new post to help better match content to the needs and interests of neighbours. This UK expansion follows a period of successful testing conducted to ensure that the responses adequately mirror local context and voice. Moving forward, Nextdoor plans to continue testing generative AI models in the UK for unique applications that serve neighbors and businesses on the platform.
Generative AI opportunity on Nextdoor
Generative AI has the potential to transform content creation and the Assistant feature introduces this technology to UK neighbourhoods for the first time, helping to foster more productive and engaging conversations – both online and offline. Developed with OpenAI, these features leverage ChatGPT API. So far, the Assistant feature has been rolled-out to approx. 25% of UK neighbours when writing a new post. Over the next several weeks, more UK neighbours will have access to Nextdoor’s generative AI capabilities to help create and personalize content, as well as drive kind conversations. Nextdoor is currently in 1 in 4 UK households, and 1 in 3 in London.
AI is already an integral part of the product experiences at Nextdoor, from features like Notifications and Newsfeed to applications leveraging cutting-edge generative AI technology. Assistant can be used when writing a new post to see a revised suggestion that the neighbour can review and edit before finishing their post. By analysing the topic and context of conversations, Nextdoor can better match content to the needs and interests of neighbours, providing more targeted recommendations for local news, events, and activities. Additionally, Assistant will suggest ways to rephrase potentially harmful comments to make the same point in a more neighbourly way. This application of generative AI to encourage kindness accelerates Nextdoor’s ongoing efforts to build an inclusive, welcoming community for all.
“The UK is a key growth market for Nextdoor, and we’re excited to deliver first-of-a-kind neighbourhood innovation to neighbours, businesses and public services on the platform,” said Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor. “We want Nextdoor to be as useful to our communities as possible, and we are excited to explore the myriad possibilities for generative AI to improve Nextdoor’s experience for neighbours. Nextdoor is committed to aligning the use of generative AI technology with its values and mission to create a kinder world where everyone has a neighbourhood to rely on.”
Nextdoor remains committed to aligning the use of generative AI technology with our purpose, mission, and values and has developed a set of Principles for the Deployment of AI, which includes a commitment to transparency, neighbour privacy and safety, accountability, and inclusivity. We have made these guidelines public at https://ai.nextdoor.com/generative-ai-principles/. Nextdoor is also actively engaging with experts at Stanford’s SPARQ and leaders from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence as we continue to introduce new technologies.
About Nextdoor
Nextdoor (NYSE: KIND) is where you connect to the neighbourhoods that matter to you so you can belong. Kindness is core to our purpose: to cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighbourhood they can rely on. Neighbours around the world turn to Nextdoor daily to receive trusted information, give and get help, get things done, and build real-world connections with those nearby — neighbours, businesses, and public services. Today, neighbours rely on Nextdoor in more than 305,000 neighbourhoods across 11 countries. In the UK, 1 in 4 households uses the network. Nextdoor is based in San Francisco. For additional information and images: nextdoor.com/newsroom.