This decision follows recent concerns over Gemini's image-generating capabilities, which led Google to disable its ability to generate images of people. The Indian government has also requested tech companies to seek approval before launching potentially unreliable AI models. Former FBI director Christopher Wray has warned that advancements in AI could aid less sophisticated foreign adversaries in engaging in malign influence.
Key takeaways:
- Google is restricting its AI chatbot Gemini from answering questions about elections as a precautionary measure, especially in light of the biggest global election year in history with over two billion voters and at least 64 countries holding elections.
- Gemini already refuses to answer questions about the upcoming US presidential election, responding to election-related questions with a generic message encouraging users to try Google Search.
- Google had previously pulled Gemini's ability to generate images of people following complaints about the production of images of people of color in historically inaccurate contexts.
- In India, Google has already started rolling out restrictions on the types of questions Gemini will answer, and the Indian government has asked tech companies to obtain its approval before launching "unreliable" or "under-tested" generative AI models or tools.