The Guardian accuses Microsoft of reputational damage after distasteful AI poll

Microsoft's use of AI and algorithmic automation in its news divisions has been criticized by The Guardian for generating inappropriate content and causing reputational damage. A poll generated by Microsoft's AI, asking readers to vote on how a woman died, was placed next to a Guardian story about the woman's death. Despite the poll's removal, The Guardian claims the damage was already done, with readers blaming the story's authors for the insensitive poll.

In response, Anna Bateson, Guardian Media Group’s chief executive, wrote to Microsoft president Brad Smith, calling the AI-generated poll "clearly inappropriate" and stating it caused "significant reputational damage". She requested that Microsoft seek approval from the outlet before using experimental AI technology alongside its journalism and to always make it clear when AI has been used.

Key takeaways:

Microsoft's AI and algorithmic automation continue to generate content with serious errors, over three years after replacing its news divisions.
The Guardian accused Microsoft of damaging its reputation with an AI-generated poll that asked readers to vote on how a woman died in a news story.
Guardian Media Group’s chief executive, Anna Bateson, wrote to Microsoft president Brad Smith, asking for assurances that Microsoft will seek the outlet’s approval before using AI technology on or alongside its journalism.
In a previous incident, an AI-generated Microsoft Start travel guide recommended visiting the Ottawa Food Bank in Ottawa, Canada, 'on an empty stomach.'

The Guardian accuses Microsoft of reputational damage after distasteful AI poll

Key takeaways:

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