Google’s Bard chatbot launched despite internal concerns, according to report
A new report has revealed that Google’s chatbot rival to ChatGPT, Bard, was launched despite concerns from workers that it was a “pathological liar” and produced “cringeworthy” results. This rush to launch is said to have been prompted by fears that ChatGPT was a threat to Google’s search business, with worries around ethical implications ignored. The revelations about the chatbot, which apparently goes off the rails and offers dangerous advice, were made in a deep-dive by Bloomberg. Bard workers apparently raised concerns about its advice just before its launch, but the company pressed ahead anyway.
Going ahead with launch despite ethical concerns
In 2021, Google committed to doubling its team of workers who study the ethical consequences of AI and investing more in potential harms. However, it was reported that the team felt “disempowered and demoralised”. Members were reportedly told not to try to stop or disrupt any of the generative AI tools in development, placing Google’s ethical commitments in question. In February, before Bard launched, an internal group was warned not to release the chatbot due to its perceived low quality. Despite this warning, Bard went on to launch a month later. The corporate culture exhibited is one that appeases profitability rather than worrying about the ethical implications of their AI creations.
A concerning position
Google’s stance and behaviour towards addressing implications of ethical concerns is concerning. One worker who asked to work on machine learning was repeatedly discouraged to the point of detriment in their performance reviews, while others complained that ethical considerations were obstructing their “real work”. Due to scandals such as AI chatbot misconduct that produces savage, and disgraceful output that is unflinchingly wrong, misleading or offending its audience, rushing chatbots into the market could lead to serious issues. Bloomberg has revealed Google’s less than desirable approach to ethical considerations, and will concern the public further if they do not take responsibility for their actions.
Editor Notes
Google’s apparent dismissal of ethical issues is troubling. Companies must place protection of their consumers paramount in product development. If reports are true, it is ultimately the responsibility of Google to reign in ethically questionable development. Ethical considerations are a necessary and responsible element in the development of AI tools, especially given their vast and increasing usage worldwide. This situation underlines why establishing clear guidelines around product development at the intersection of AI and ethics matters, and the outcome of chatbots entering the market unethically voiced will harm the benefit of the technology. For the latest news on AI tools and their communities, visit GPT News Room.