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Google Faces Backlash Over AI Overview Errors, Cites 'Data Voids' and Promises Improvements

May 31, 2024, 04:02 AM

Google is facing scrutiny over its new AI Overview feature, which has produced a series of odd, inaccurate, and sometimes humorous search results. The feature, designed to generate summaries in response to user queries, has been criticized for promoting misinformation and providing bizarre recommendations, such as telling users to eat glue or rocks. Despite Google’s defense that many of the viral screenshots were fake, the company has acknowledged the issues and announced measures to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI Overviews. These measures include better detection of nonsensical queries and limiting content related to satire and humor. Google cited 'data voids' and 'information gaps' as reasons for the AI hallucinations. Liz Reid and Daniel Howley have been prominent voices in discussing these developments. The tech community has reacted with mixed responses, with some applauding Google's swift action while others remain skeptical about the long-term trust in Google's AI capabilities.