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74% of firms rolled back AI customer agents: research

Stockholm-listed communications software firm Sinch said on May 13 that a survey of 2,527 senior enterprise decision-makers across 10 countries found 74% had rolled back or shut down a live AI customer communications agent.

The findings point to governance and reliability problems after deployment.

The study, conducted with an independent research institute between January and February 2026, found 62% already had such agents in production, while 81% of organizations with mature governance frameworks reported rollbacks.

Sinch said 98% plan to raise AI communications spending in 2026, about three-quarters are prioritizing trust, security, and compliance over AI development, and 86% have reviewed or are reviewing new communications providers.

🔗 Source: Sinch AB

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Sinch ties a survey result to its new AI messaging tools

  • Sinch sells cloud communications software that lets enterprises send texts, place calls, and handle customer messages 1.
  • It mostly charges by usage and serves as the link between business systems and mobile networks 1.
  • In early 2026, Sinch pitched itself as a layer for AI with two products, “Agentic conversations” and “Voice Relay” 2.
  • Its survey found that 86% of organizations have reviewed or are reviewing new providers, which fits its push around reliable AI communications and stronger controls 2.

AI setbacks raise legal costs and oversight demands

  • Frequent AI rollbacks suggest deployments are moving faster than risk controls, which can hurt the business 3.
  • Air Canada had to honor a refund policy its chatbot invented. Duolingo said premium generative AI features raised operating costs and squeezed gross margin 3.
  • These problems have moved AI oversight beyond information technology and onto the board agenda because legal, financial, and reputational risks can surface fast 3.
  • This is creating demand for AI governance frameworks, which are policies and controls that address model failures, data privacy, and regulatory compliance before launch 4.

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