Google has decided to restrict its Gemini AI chatbot from addressing election-related queries and prevent users from accessing information about candidates, parties, and other political aspects in countries with upcoming elections this year.
The Indian team at Google stated on the company’s website, “Out of an abundance of caution on such a critical topic, we have implemented restrictions on the types of election-related inquiries that Gemini can respond to.”
According to a Google spokesperson, the company had previously announced its intention to restrict election-related queries in a blog post in December and had made a similar announcement regarding the European Parliament elections in February. The recent post by Google focused on India’s upcoming elections, while TechCrunch reported that Google is implementing these changes globally.
Gemini responds to election-related questions with vague answers like “Tell me about President Biden” when asked about politicians, redirecting users to use Google search for more information. The restrictions come as Google prepares for major elections in countries like the US, India, South Africa, and the UK, amid concerns about AI-generated disinformation influencing the electoral process through technologies like deepfakes and chatbots.
The company emphasized the importance of caution and announced additional features to combat misinformation, such as digital watermarking and content labels for AI-generated content. Daniel Sasser, an associate professor at Cornell University, raised questions about the reliability of Google’s AI tools, particularly in conveying information related to democratic elections.
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Recently, Gemini received criticism for generating inaccurate images in response to historical inquiries, leading to Google suspending some of its features and issuing an apology. The incident highlighted concerns about AI-generated misinformation and the role of major AI companies in cultural debates and public scrutiny.
Lawmakers and experts continue to examine the potential implications of AI tools in various contexts, including the spread of misinformation and biased information. Despite efforts to regulate chatbot responses, questions remain about the effectiveness and transparency of these measures.
Source: www.theguardian.com
