Google’s AI assistant restricts election-related queries in India

Google restricts election queries for AI chatbot Gemini ahead of India’s April polls, aiming to curb misinformation

Google has confirmed that it has implemented restrictions on election-related questions for its artificial intelligence chatbot, Gemini, ahead of India’s forthcoming elections in April.

The decision comes amidst a broader effort to mitigate potential controversies and misinformation surrounding AI technology. Gemini, which functions similarly to ChatGPT, can provide text and image responses.

However, it will redirect users seeking election information to Google Search instead of generating direct responses.

In a recent blog post, Google emphasized that this policy rollout aligns with plans announced last year regarding its election approach.

A Google spokesperson clarified that, as part of an abundance of caution, the platform limits the types of election-related queries Gemini can address.

This move coincides with numerous elections scheduled worldwide throughout the year, including in countries like the U.S., the U.K., and South Africa.

Upon testing Gemini with questions about non-Indian elections, such as those in the U.S., U.K., and South Africa, the chatbot consistently responded with a message indicating it is still learning to answer such inquiries and suggested utilizing Google Search for more information.

However, when asked follow-up questions about Indian politics, Gemini provided more detailed responses about the country’s major political parties.

Concerns surrounding misinformation generated by AI technology have prompted governments worldwide to adopt regulatory measures.

India, in particular, has taken proactive steps by requiring technology companies to obtain approval before releasing AI tools that may be considered unreliable or experimental.

Google has faced criticism in the past for AI-related mishaps, such as its AI image generator inaccurately depicting historical figures.

These incidents underscore the importance of exercising caution in AI development and deployment. After these errors, Google promptly halted the Gemini tool, acknowledging that it “missed the mark” and emphasizing the need for continued refinement and oversight in AI technologies.

Source: Newsroom

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