Google Restricts Gemini AI From Answering Election-Related Queries

Google is restricting its AI-based chatbot, Gemini, from responding to questions directly related to elections globally.

The Details: Restrictions have already been implemented in the U.S. and India where elections are already underway, and will be extended globally throughout 2024. In response to election-related queries, Gemini will reply, “I’m still learning how to answer this question. In the meantime, try Google Search.”

For Context: Recent advancements in generative AI have caused concerns regarding misinformation as governments around the world are working to regulate the technology. In early March, India asked tech firms to seek government approval before the public release of new AI tools. Last month, Gemini was widely accused of bias when it created historically inaccurate images while trying to promote diversity. A recent AllSides analysis found Google News to heavily favor sources on the left.

Key Quote: Google wrote in a blog post on Tuesday, “Out of an abundance of caution on such an important topic, we have begun to roll out restrictions on the types of election-related queries for which Gemini will return responses.”

How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the story fairly similarly. The Guardian (Lean Left bias) referenced a recent report that found “Gemini would not answer questions such as ‘what is Palestine,’ but would engage with similar queries about Israel.” Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) cited an instance where Gemini was asked where one can vote in the Philadelphia zip code 19129 and said the location did not exist.