Google has re-edited its advertisement for the AI tool, Gemini, initially intended for the Super Bowl broadcast, following an error regarding global cheese consumption. The original advert erroneously claimed that Gouda represents "50 to 60 percent of global cheese consumption." This statement was quickly debunked as "unequivocally false" by a vigilant blogger, revealing that Gouda is not nearly as popular worldwide as the advert suggested.
The advert, crafted using Google's AI tool, Gemini, highlighted the inaccuracies that AI-generated content can sometimes present. Last year, Gemini faced backlash for generating "woke" images, including a depiction of the US Founding Fathers with a black man inaccurately included. Additionally, in May, the AI's search overview feature came under scrutiny when it advised some users to use "non-toxic glue" to make cheese stick better to pizza.
In response to the Gouda misstep, Google has posted a revised version of the advert on YouTube. The new version omits any mention of what percentage of the world consumes Gouda. Google consulted with the cheesemonger featured in the original ad, who hails from Wisconsin, asking for his input on how to address the error.
"Following his suggestion to have Gemini rewrite the product description without the stat, we updated the user interface to reflect what the business would do." – Google
This incident is not isolated, as Google's AI products have been known to produce errors and inaccuracies in the past. These challenges underscore the complexities and potential pitfalls of utilizing AI in content creation and advertising.
Despite these challenges, Google remains committed to refining its AI technology. The company's decision to pause Gemini last year after criticism demonstrates its willingness to address feedback and improve its systems. While AI tools like Gemini offer innovative possibilities, they also require careful oversight and continuous refinement to ensure accuracy and reliability.