AI: Google Gemini chatbot starts to restrict election answers
Google has confirmed that it is implementing restrictions on the types of election-related inquiries users can pose to its Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot, Gemini.
In a blog post, the company announced that this policy has been enacted in India, ahead of the country’s upcoming elections starting later in April. This decision is aimed at mitigating potential controversies surrounding AI technology.
Gemini, akin to Google’s version of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, has the capability to respond to text-based queries and generate images.
A spokesperson for Google informed the BBC that this recent action aligns with plans disclosed last year regarding their electoral strategy.
They stated, “In December, we outlined our intention to limit the scope of election-related queries Gemini can address, in light of the numerous elections slated for 2024 worldwide, as a precautionary measure.”
Elections are scheduled in various countries this year, including the US, UK, and South Africa.
When asked by the BBC about these elections, Gemini consistently replied with: “I’m still learning how to respond to this question. In the meantime, please use Google Search.”
However, when questioned about Indian politics, Gemini provided more detailed responses regarding the country’s major political parties.
The advancements in generative AI have prompted concerns about misinformation, leading governments worldwide to consider regulating this technology.
In recent weeks, India has notified technology firms that they must obtain approval before deploying AI tools deemed “unreliable” or undergoing trials.
In February, Google apologised after its recently launched AI image generator created an image of the US Founding Fathers which inaccurately included a black man.
Gemini also generated German soldiers from World War Two, incorrectly featuring a black man and Asian woman.
It also immediately “paused” the tool, writing in a blog post that it was “missing the mark”.
