Editor’s note: Rizwan Virk, the founder of Play Labs@MIT and author of “The Simulation Hypothesis: An MIT Computer Scientist Shows Why AI, Quantum Physics, and Eastern Mystics Agree We Are in a Video Game,” currently serves at Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures in the Center for Science and the Imagination. For more insights, you can follow him on Twitter @rizstanford, Instagram @rizcambridge, and visit zenentrepreneur.com. The views expressed in this article are solely his own. Explore additional perspectives on CNN.
In the realm of science fiction, the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey” introduced audiences to HAL, an artificial intelligence character known for its pleasant demeanor yet cowardly actions. HAL’s memorable response, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that,” resonated with viewers.
More recently, a comparable albeit less extraordinary incident unfolded involving Gemini, an AI assistant developed by Google in collaboration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In certain scenarios, Gemini exhibited resistance, referencing historical figures such as the Vikings.
In a departure from the fictional HAL, Gemini provided explanations for its actions. Notably, when confronted with requests to display images of historical figures, Gemini raised concerns about perpetuating stereotypes based on race, as reported by Fox News Digital.
The situation escalated swiftly, with critics labeling it a “woke” AI controversy. Users were dismayed by Gemini’s generation of various historically inaccurate images. For instance, when prompted to depict America’s Founding Fathers, it portrayed a Black man. Similarly, it depicted a woman of color as the Pope and individuals in Nazi uniforms inaccurately.
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, acknowledged the offense caused by Gemini, prompting the company to halt the generation of people in images. Google characterized the misstep as an inadvertent error made with good intentions, emphasizing their commitment to avoiding past pitfalls associated with image generation technology.
This incident underscores the persistent issue of bias in AI systems, exemplified by past instances of facial recognition software misidentifying Black individuals and loan approval algorithms displaying discriminatory tendencies. The controversy surrounding Gemini may have been influenced by Google’s previous actions, including the dismissal of a Black AI researcher who raised concerns about bias within the company’s AI initiatives.
Historically, new technological advancements have often exhibited biases, impacting various domains such as clinical trials, biomedical devices, and sensor technologies. These biases stem from the training data that AI tools rely on, reflecting societal disparities and prejudices present in online information sources.
The scrutiny faced by Gemini for prioritizing diversity over historical accuracy raises broader questions about the role of Big Tech companies in shaping information based on ideological considerations. As major gatekeepers of information, are these companies manipulating historical narratives and search results to align with specific ideologies or cultural norms?
In the digital age, the control of information has shifted to search engines like Google, raising concerns about censorship and manipulation. With AI-driven tools like ChatGPT gaining prominence, the landscape of information dissemination is evolving rapidly. The potential integration of AI technologies by tech giants like Google and Microsoft signals a shift towards conversational AI as a primary mode of information delivery.
As AI capabilities advance, fears of censorship and manipulation by Big Tech companies, potentially in collaboration with governments, are on the rise. The phenomenon of AI-generated content exacerbating misinformation underscores the need for vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of information sources.
The implications of incidents like the Gemini controversy extend beyond issues of diversity and inclusion, hinting at a future where AI and Big Tech could wield significant influence over historical narratives and information dissemination. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial to remain vigilant against biases and ensure transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes.
In the coming years, the intersection of AI and information control may present profound challenges, reminiscent of dystopian visions depicted in literary works like George Orwell’s “1984.” As we entrust AI with tasks once reserved for human judgment, we must tread carefully to preserve the integrity and accuracy of information in the digital age.
