Copilot AI calls journalist a child abuser, Microsoft tries to launder responsibility

German journalist Martin Bernklau was falsely accused of numerous crimes by Bing's Copilot AI, including child abuse and fraud. The AI system, which had confused Bernklau's reporting on criminal trials with personal involvement, even disclosed his personal contact information. Despite the Tübingen Public Prosecutor’s Office stating no criminal offense had been committed as no actual person made the allegations, the Bavarian Data Protection Office contacted Microsoft regarding the issue.

Despite initial filtering of Copilot's responses about Bernklau, the false accusations returned a few days later. Now, the AI system acknowledges the controversy, falsely labeling Bernklau as a convicted child molester, psychiatric facility escapee, and fraudster. Bernklau has since hired a lawyer and is suing Microsoft for defamation and invasion of privacy, regardless of Copilot’s terms of service disclaiming responsibility.

Key takeaways

Martin Bernklau, a German journalist, was falsely accused of various crimes by Bing's Copilot AI, which listed crimes he had reported on as if he was the perpetrator.
The AI system also revealed Bernklau's personal information, including his phone number and address.
Despite the false allegations, the Tübingen Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that no criminal offense had been committed as no actual person made the allegations.
Bernklau is now suing Microsoft, the organization responsible for Copilot, for defamation and invasion of privacy.

Copilot AI calls journalist a child abuser, Microsoft tries to launder responsibility

Key takeaways

Discussion (0)