Google CEO Sundar Pichai. (image source: iStock)
Only a few months ago, Google paused its Gemini's AI tool after it produced some controversial pictures but seems like the tech giant isn't learning and is failing miserably in the ongoing race for excellence in Artificial Intelligence. Google's latest AI-powered search update, codenamed SGE (Search Generative Experience), has now recommended users to 'drink urine to get rid of kidney stones.'
More than one user received such recommendations and while the search result has now been fixed, it is yet another embarrassing moment for one of the world's biggest tech companies. The shocking suggestion from Google is going viral on social media platforms, with people including health and tech experts slamming Google for this blunder.
While the latest incident has put spotlight on Google, its AI woes go further back. It will further build pressure on Google CEO Sundar Pichai who has faced calls of resignation even earlier this year.
When Gemini Went Wrong
Earlier this year, Google's popular Gemini AI (also known as Bard) image generation feature produced historically inaccurate and offensive images, leading to heavy backlash worldwide. The problem wasn't limited to Gemini's AI image generation tool. Even some of its text responses were bizarre.
For example, on one instance, it was equating Tesla boss Elon Musk’s influence on society with that of Nazi-era German dictator Adolf Hitler.
Sundar Pichai described some of the AI chatbot's responses as 'problematic' and showing bias. Addressing the controversy surrounding Gemini, Pichai wrote a memo to Google employees in which he called some of Gemini's responses 'unacceptable' and admitted that the tech giant 'got it wrong.'
Google's Senior Vice President, Prabhakar Raghavan, also admitted in a blog post that the image generation feature 'missed the mark.'
He explained that some of the images generated were inaccurate or offensive, prompting the company to pause the feature and apologize to users. Google also made it clear that they're against deliberately creating inaccuracies, especially with historical content.
Where Does Google Go From Here?
It's clear that Google doesn't plan to give up on its AI efforts. There is no way it can. That will be like handing a golden goose to its rivals like Microsoft. But, it's also clear that its AI tools are incapable and inefficient in the current form. Some of these are half-baked and rushed products, probably because the tech giant feels like it is losing to startups like OpenAI and Midjourney.
In a recent blog post, Google's CEO also said, 'We are a longstanding leader in building and deploying responsible AI. Last year, along with other companies, we committed to a set of measures to develop AI safely and responsibly. We need to be the best in class at deploying accurate, trustworthy, and transparent AI products for users and customers.'
While Google continuously states that it is working to improve its AI, the gap is massive and the approach is unreliable. It is losing the AI race; the pressure is mounting – both on Google and Pichai. Unfortunately, it's leading to more mistakes than achievements.
Regardless, a tech major like Google cannot allow its AI tools to make such blunders and produce provoking results, almost on a consistent basis.
Times Now Tech has reached to out to the Google India team to seek a response of the recent incident but is yet to hear from them. We will update the story as and if a statement is shared.
