Recent buzz on social media has put Google’s new AI Overview feature under the spotlight for providing inaccurate answers to user queries. The feature — which was introduced as a beta version last May under the name Search Generative Experience — has been criticized for suggesting harmful and incorrect information, such as recommending smoking during pregnancy and misstating facts about former President Barack Obama.
Immediate action by Google
Following the backlash, Google has taken manual steps to disable the feature for specific searches. The tech giant has also reduced the number of AI-generated responses by 80 percent over the past year, indicating a more cautious approach to AI response rollouts. Google spokesperson Meghann Farnsworth confirmed that the company is actively working to remove searches that violate content policies and improve the system based on the feedback received.
Addressing uncommon queries and misinformation
While some of the unusual queries that surfaced were from uncommon searches or even satirical sources, Google is focused on refining its AI to prevent the spread of misinformation. The company’s efforts to enhance the AI Overview feature are ongoing, with some improvements already being implemented.
As Google continues to develop its AI capabilities, the balance between innovation and accuracy remains a critical aspect of user trust and product reliability. The company’s response to the recent issues demonstrates a commitment to responsible AI development and deployment.
