Google is responsible for AI lies: court made an important decision
A court in Germany ruled that Google is responsible for any false claims contained in its AI-generated search result summaries. The decision was made following a lawsuit by two publishers whom Google's artificial intelligence system mistakenly linked to fraudulent schemes, writes Extremetech.
Since only Google has the ability to change the content of such summaries, the court concluded that the company is responsible for their accuracy. This decision could become a serious obstacle to the development of AI-based search services and the entire artificial intelligence industry.
Google's AI summaries have repeatedly been criticized for gross errors. The system, in particular, could not correctly count the number of "r" letters in the word "strawberry," gave strange advice about visiting car washes, and even recommended stones and glue as food garnishes. Although Google is trying to make these summaries less prone to errors, the German court's decision may impose legal liability on the company for any inaccuracies.
In the specific case, the publishers who filed the lawsuit were linked by the AI system to fraudulent schemes. When they contacted Google demanding correction of the false information and even sent an official cease and desist notice, the company refused to do so. After that, the case went to court.
The preliminary court ruling is that Google itself bears responsibility. If this conclusion remains valid, it could have significant consequences for the development of Google's AI search services and many other AI-based tools.
Traditionally, defamation or spreading false information on the internet could be challenged directly against the person who disseminated it. Victims could also demand intervention from service providers. However, in the case of Google's AI summaries, the court noted that such responses create "independent, new, and substantive claims," so responsibility for them lies with the company.
The court also emphasized that AI-based search does not enjoy freedom of speech protection and is not a necessary component of a standard search engine. According to the court, no one needs AI search to obtain information, so Google can control this feature or even disable it if necessary.
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