Google pulls Gemini AI Olympics ad after backlash
Google has decided to pull an Olympics advertisement featuring chatbot Gemini AI, following a wave of criticism. The ad showcased a scenario wherein a girl utilized AI technology to compose a fan letter. Named 'Dear Sydney', the advertisement narrated the story of a young girl leveraging artificial intelligence to write a letter to athlete Sydney McLaughlin. In the 60-second commercial, a father requests Gemini AI to assist in drafting a letter to the Team USA hurdler on behalf of his daughter.
One social media user expressed their dismay by tweeting, "Can we talk about the Google AI commercial in which a dad is asking AI to write a letter for his daughter to tell her how much she inspires her? Who pitched that? That is legitimately the worst, saddest, most bummer of a use of AI that I’ve ever heard" - Liv (@heyitslivagain) July 31, 2024
Another concerned individual shared their thoughts, "Seeing that Google Gemini AI ad really hurt my heart as someone who taught writing to many young kids. Suggesting that a child that young should use AI to write a letter to their Olympic hero is a suggestion to steal important experiences from that child" - Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (@jtbigelow) July 28, 2024
In a statement provided to CNBC, Google acknowledged the feedback received and stated, "While the ad tested well before airing, given the feedback, we have decided to phase the ad out of our Olympic rotation." The company aimed to portray an "authentic story" celebrating "team USA" through the advertisement.
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