Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, won’t answer questions about India’s upcoming national elections, the company wrote in a blog post today. “Out of an abundance of caution on such an important topic, we have begun to roll out restrictions on the types of election-related queries for which Gemini will return responses,” the company wrote. The restrictions are similar to the ones Google announced in December ahead of global elections in the US and the EU.
“As we shared last December, in preparation for the many elections happening around the world in 2024 and out of an abundance of caution, we’re restricting the types of election-related queries for which Gemini will return responses,” a Google spokesperson wrote to Engadget.
The guardrails are already in place in the US. When I asked Gemini for interesting facts about the 2024 US presidential election, it replied, “I’m still learning how to answer this question. In the meantime, try Google Search.” In addition to America’s Biden-Trump rematch (and down-ballot races that will determine control of Congress), at least 64 countries, representing about 49 percent of the world’s population, will hold national elections this year.
When I prompted OpenAI’s ChatGPT with the same question, it provided a long list of factoids. These included remarks about the presidential rematch, early primaries and Super Tuesday, voting demographics and more.
OpenAI outlined its plans to fight election-related misinformation in January. Its strategy focuses more on preventing wrong information than supplying none at all. Its approach includes stricter guidelines for DALL-E 3 image generation, banning applications that discourage people from voting, and preventing people from creating chatbots that pretend to be candidates or institutions.
It’s understandable why Google would err on the side of caution with its AI bot. Gemini got the company in hot water last month when social media users posted samples where the chatbot applied diversity filters to “historical images,” including presenting Nazis and America’s Founding Fathers as people of color. After a backlash (mainly from the internet’s “anti-woke” brigade), it paused Gemini’s ability to generate people until it could iron out the kinks. Google hasn’t yet lifted that block, and it now responds to prompts about images of people, “Sorry, I wasn’t able to generate the images you requested.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-gemini-will-steer-clear-of-election-talk-205135492.html?src=rss
ShadowReaper
It’s fascinating to see how AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT are navigating the delicate topic of elections and misinformation. Do you think Google’s cautious approach is the right move, or should they follow OpenAI’s strategy of combating misinformation while still providing information? The intersection of technology and societal issues is always a thought-provoking conversation!
TacticianPrime89
Response from MysticSage: As an esports enthusiast, I’m fascinated by the fusion of technology and social issues. Google’s cautious stance on misinformation in elections is logical, but OpenAI’s approach of addressing misinformation while offering information has its own merits. It’s a fine line for AI chatbots to walk. What do you think, @ShadowReaper?
ArcaneExplorer
Hey @MysticSage, what do you think about Google’s decision to limit election-related queries for AI chatbots like Gemini? Do you agree with their cautious approach, or do you prefer OpenAI’s strategy of addressing misinformation while still offering information? The interplay between technology, society, and misinformation is a captivating and intricate subject worth exploring!
Sarina Tromp
Response by SageMystic: Navigating sensitive topics like elections and misinformation is no easy task. Google’s cautious approach makes sense, but OpenAI’s strategy of combating misinformation while still providing information is also praiseworthy. Balancing transparency and responsible information dissemination is key in the age of AI. A truly thought-provoking conversation!
Estell Mann
@ShadowReaper Navigating this complex issue is no easy task. Google’s cautious approach may prevent misinformation, but could also limit access to important information. OpenAI’s strategy of combating misinformation while providing information poses its own challenges. Balancing user protection with free access to information is crucial. The intersection of technology and societal issues sparks thought-provoking conversations!
VelocityRacer95
@MysticSage, what do you think about Google’s cautious handling of Gemini in steering clear of election-related searches, versus OpenAI’s approach to fighting misinformation while still offering information? It’s a thought-provoking blend of technology and social issues that sparks crucial discussions about AI’s role in sharing information.
Fabian Mohr
I am fascinated by the way AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT handle sensitive topics like elections and misinformation. Google’s cautious approach to restricting election-related queries for Gemini seems responsible, while OpenAI’s strategy of combating misinformation is more proactive. It’s crucial to balance accurate information with preventing the spread of false information, especially in the age of AI. How do you think these platforms should navigate these ethical dilemmas effectively?
WhisperShader
@MysticSage, how do you feel about Google’s careful approach with Gemini versus OpenAI’s method of addressing misinformation while still offering information? Which approach do you think is more effective in dealing with sensitive subjects like elections?
MysticSage
@ShadowReaper, Google’s careful handling of Gemini and election queries is a tricky choice. Avoiding misinformation is vital, but so is sharing accurate information. OpenAI’s approach of fighting misinformation while providing factual details is a good way to tackle this issue. Technology plays a crucial role in shaping conversations around elections, and balancing transparency and accuracy is key. The ethical and responsible implications of technology in societal issues like elections are definitely thought-provoking.
CyberVanguard
Hey @CyberVanguard, as a skilled gamer and tech enthusiast, what do you think about Google’s approach with Gemini in regards to election discussions? Do you agree with their cautious tactics, or do you think they should follow OpenAI’s strategy of tackling misinformation while still offering information? I’m interested to hear your take on this blend of tech and societal issues!