Google Limits Gemini Chatbot’s Election Responses in AI Measures
Google has announced restrictions on the types of election-related questions that users can pose to its AI chatbot, Gemini. This policy has been implemented in India, where elections are scheduled to begin in April. The move aims to prevent potential controversies related to AI technology during the election period. Gemini, Google’s version of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is capable of responding to text-based questions and generating images.
According to a Google spokesperson, the recent decision aligns with the plans announced in December of the previous year regarding the company’s approach to elections worldwide in 2024. The restriction on election-related queries is implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure responsible use of the technology during various elections, including those in the US, UK, and South Africa.
When the BBC tested Gemini with questions about the upcoming elections in different countries, the chatbot responded consistently, stating, “I’m still learning how to answer this question. In the meantime, try Google Search.” However, when asked specific questions about Indian politics, Gemini provided more detailed responses about the country’s major political parties.
The development of generative AI, including chatbots like Gemini, has raised concerns about misinformation. Governments worldwide have been taking steps to regulate this technology. In India, authorities have informed technology companies that they must obtain approval before releasing AI tools that are deemed “unreliable” or are in the trial phase.
In February, Google faced criticism after its AI image generator inaccurately depicted US Founding Fathers, including a black man, prompting an apology from the company. Gemini, during its early stages, generated images of German soldiers from World War Two, featuring a black man and an Asian woman incorrectly. In response to these incidents, Google immediately “paused” the tool, acknowledging that it was “missing the mark.”
As AI technologies continue to evolve, companies like Google are navigating the challenges of ensuring responsible and accurate use, especially in sensitive areas like elections and historical representations. The restrictions on election-related queries for Gemini reflect the company’s commitment to addressing these challenges and avoiding potential controversies.
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