Google has temporarily stopped its Gemini AI model from generating images of people after a controversy arose over its failure to accurately depict white individuals. Users took to social media to share images created by Gemini, which mostly featured people of colour, including scenes from history that should have depicted white individuals.
The tech giant acknowledged that Gemini’s AI image generation feature is “missing the mark” and is actively working to address the issue. However, the images generated by Gemini have provoked mockery and outrage online, with some accusing Google of being overly “woke” at the expense of truth and accuracy.
This recent situation has sparked criticism of Google for overlooking people of colour and perpetuating stereotypes in its AI models. The company has faced setbacks in the rollout of AI products in the past, including apologizing last year for false information provided by its AI chatbot, Bard, during a demo.
Google’s decision to halt Gemini’s image generation of people underscores the challenges that tech companies face in ensuring diversity and accuracy in their AI models. As Google works to resolve the issue with Gemini, it remains to be seen how the tech giant will address criticisms of its handling of AI technology and its impact on society.
