Google is set to refine its AI’s handling of election-related searches. The tech giant, a branch of Alphabet Inc., is taking measures to limit the scope of political inquiries on Bard, its AI chatbot, and the search generative experience, with plans to enact these changes by early 2024.
Google’s strategy extends beyond American borders, aiming to safeguard major elections worldwide, such as those in India and South Africa. The company’s commitment to leveraging AI for voter assistance and campaign services underscores the increasing influence of AI in electoral systems.
Meta has already paved the way, banning the use of AI in political advertising on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, while insisting on transparency for any AI involvement in creating or altering political ads.
In contrast, Elon Musk’s X platform is reopening its doors to U.S. political ads, a shift from its global political ad ban since 2019. This decision comes amid the EU’s close watch over the company’s practices.
These steps by tech behemoths signal a rising global initiative to regulate AI in politics, driven by the urgency to combat misinformation. The EU is at the helm, enforcing regulations for clear labeling of political ads, their funding sources, and target elections, setting a standard for the rest of the world.
