Google had to edit an ad for its AI tool Gemini after discovering it contained false information about Gouda cheese, just before it was set to air during the Super Bowl.
Local ads showcasing how AI is used in businesses featured Gemini’s capabilities in helping Wisconsin cheesemongers write product descriptions and track global cheese consumption.
However, a blogger claimed the statistics were “AI hallucinations” and “clearly false”. More reliable data suggests that Dutch cheese may be less popular than cheddar or mozzarella.
Blogger Nate Hake added, “I found this example of AI errors in 20 minutes. I attempted fact checks during the Super Bowl ad.”
Replying, Google executive Jerry Dischler clarified that the AI systems do not invent false information but sometimes pull honest data from websites like Gemini. He emphasized, “Gemini is linked to the web, showing results and references. In this case, multiple sites have the 50-60% stats.”
Google stated they would correct the ads to fix the error after speaking with the cheesemonger in the ad and adjusting the product descriptions on Gemini as per his suggestion.
Google’s AI tools have previously faced criticism for errors and questionable advice. Last year, the AI’s Search feature drew backlash for advising users to use “non-toxic adhesives” to improve cheese sticks, and Gemini’s image generation tool sparked controversy by depicting historical figures in a questionable manner.
The images provoked negative reactions, including from Elon Musk, questioning the impact of libertarians and Stalin. The Gemini Chatbot also faced criticism for its responses in these situations.
Source: www.theguardian.com
