Alphabet to impose restrictions on election queries that can be answered by Bard and AI-based search
In preparation for the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, Google’s Alphabet announced on Tuesday that it will limit the range of election-related questions that its chatbot Bard and search generative experience can provide answers to.
The restrictions are scheduled to take effect by early 2024, the company said.
In addition to the United States, 2024 is expected to see a number of ground-breaking elections, including national elections in countries such as India, the world’s largest democracy, and South Africa.
The tech giant said it is “working with an increased focus on the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI)” in serving voters and campaigns related to this election.
Facebook owner Meta had also said in November that it would prevent political campaigns and advertisers in other regulated industries from using its new generative AI advertising products.
Meta-advertisers must also disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) or other digital methods are used to modify or create political, social, or election-related ads on Facebook and Instagram.
On the other hand, Elon Musk’s social media platform X, which is under investigation by the European Union, said in August that it will now allow political advertising by candidates and political parties in the United States. It is also expanding its security and election team ahead of the US election.
All political ads were previously banned globally on X as of 2019.
Governments around the world have come together to regulate artificial intelligence in light of the threats it poses, such as the spread of misinformation.
Big Tech companies face new European Union rules, according to which political advertising information is clearly marked on their platforms, who paid for it, how much and which elections were targeted.
