Google’s new AI chatbot tool, Bard, was recently called out for an inaccurate response it gave in a demo.
The response was that JWST took the first pictures of a planet outside of our solar system, but NASA says the first image of an exoplanet was taken by the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in 2004.
Google’s parent company Alphabet’s shares fell 7.7%, or $100 billion in market share, after the response was reported.
Google is trying to keep up with the potential radical change spurred by conversational AI in how people search online.
Microsoft recently announced a revamped version of Bing powered by the same AI used by ChatGPT, prompting Google to declare a “code red” situation for its search product.
Google held an event in its Paris office to detail plans to use AI technology to change how people search for information online. They plan to offer more complex and conversational responses to queries, such as providing bullet points and pros and cons for buying an electric vehicle.
Google is aware of the potential for inaccurate information and is starting a Trusted Tester program to make sure Bard’s responses meet a high bar for quality. They are also aware of the importance of a rigorous testing process and are combining external feedback with their own internal testing.