Google Restricts Bard and Search for Indian Election Queries

Google has announced that it will limit the types of election-related queries that its AI chatbot Bard and its AI-powered search engine Search Generative Experience (SGE) can answer, ahead of the 2024 Indian general election. The decision is part of Google’s efforts to safeguard its platforms and services from the potential misuse and abuse of AI in the creation and dissemination of election-related content.

Bard is an AI chatbot that can generate text based on user input and context, using a large language model called ChatGPT-3.5. Bard can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, and information. SGE is an AI-powered search engine that can generate web pages based on user queries, using a generative adversarial network (GAN). SGE can be used to explore topics, discover new information, and learn new skills.

However, both Bard and SGE can also pose risks and challenges, such as generating inaccurate, misleading, or harmful content, especially during sensitive periods, such as elections. Google has acknowledged these risks and challenges, and has stated that it will take a responsible and principled approach to introducing and using generative AI products.

According to Google, it will restrict the types of election-related queries that Bard and SGE can return responses for, by early 2024. Google has not specified the exact nature of these restrictions, but has said that they will be based on its policies and guidelines, as well as the feedback from its users and partners. Google has also said that it will monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of Bard and SGE, and make adjustments as needed.

Providing authoritative and verified information from election commissions, government agencies, and media outlets, at the top of its search results and on Google Maps, when users search for common topics, such as how and where to vote, who are the candidates, and what are the issues.

Enforcing strict policies and standards for election-related advertisements, content, and accounts, on Google Ads, YouTube, Google News, and Google Pay, to prevent the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, and to protect the privacy and security of users and campaigns.

Supporting and empowering users, campaigns, and civil society organizations, with tools, resources, and programs, to help them make informed decisions, participate in the democratic process, and combat misinformation and cyberattacks, such as Google Fact Check Explorer, Google Civic Information API, and Google Protect Your Election.

Google has said that it is committed to providing a safe and reliable online environment for its users, especially during critical moments, such as elections. Google has also said that it is open to collaborating and engaging with various stakeholders, such as governments, regulators, researchers, and civil society, to ensure that AI is used in a beneficial and ethical manner.

Google has announced that it will limit the types of election-related queries that its AI chatbot Bard and its AI-powered search engine Search Generative Experience can answer, ahead of the 2024 Indian general election. The decision is part of Google’s efforts to safeguard its platforms and services from the potential misuse and abuse of AI in the creation and dissemination of election-related content.

Google has also announced other measures to ensure the integrity and quality of election-related information on its platforms and services, such as providing authoritative and verified information, enforcing strict policies and standards, and supporting and empowering users, campaigns, and civil society organizations. Google has said that it is committed to providing a safe and reliable online environment for its users, especially during critical moments, such as elections. Google has also said that it is open to collaborating and engaging with various stakeholders, to ensure that AI is used in a beneficial and ethical manner.

In an effort to combat misinformation and ensure the integrity of information surrounding the Indian elections, Google has implemented restrictions on its search and AI-powered chatbot, Bard. These measures aim to provide users with accurate and reliable information while minimizing the spread of false or misleading content. This article delves into Google’s decision to restrict Bard and Search for Indian election queries, examining the implications and significance of these actions.

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