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Google’s AI Tool Gemini Sparks Controversy
In late February, Google’s generative AI tool, Gemini, caused a stir by reimagining historical figures as people of color and generating inappropriate images, leading to a wave of backlash and confusion on social media platforms.
The Launch of Google Gemini
Google introduced Gemini as a replacement for its chatbot Bard, offering a free and paid version to the public. The tool, capable of generating text, images, and videos, gained notoriety for its image generation feature, which became the center of controversy.
Image generated by Google’s AI tool
The Problematic Images Generated by Gemini
Gemini’s AI algorithm produced images that depicted women and people of color in historically white male roles, sparking outrage. From a Black female pope to Asian Greek warriors, the tool’s interpretations raised eyebrows and prompted Google to disable the feature temporarily.
Addressing Bias in Generative AI
Critics have long pointed out bias in AI algorithms, highlighting how they can perpetuate stereotypes and overlook diversity. Google’s Gemini faced similar criticisms for over-sexualizing and misrepresenting Black and Asian women in its generated images.
“AI, like other technology, runs the risk of amplifying pre-existing societal prejudices.” - Ayo Tometi
Google’s Response and Suspension of Gemini
In response to the controversy, Google acknowledged the missteps of Gemini and temporarily halted the tool’s image generation function. CEO Sundar Pichai expressed regret over the offensive images and emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing the issues before relaunching the feature.
Impact on Google and Market Value
The backlash against Gemini had financial repercussions, with Google’s parent company, Alphabet, experiencing a significant drop in market value. The controversy surrounding the AI tool led to a loss of approximately $96.9 billion in market capitalization, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
As Google works to rectify the missteps of Gemini and regain user trust, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with developing and deploying AI technologies in today’s society.
