Earlier this month, Google released its AI image-generation system “Gemini,” which allowed users to create detailed images for text prompts in seconds. While many users found the system impressive, they soon discovered that it was difficult to generate images of white people. This led to viral tweets showcasing examples like racially diverse Nazis, sparking a debate on the importance of recognizing historical discrimination.
Some critics blamed Gemini for being “too woke” and using diversity as a way to push an agenda. This raised questions about Google’s handling of ethical issues within AI, with some calling the field of “AI ethics” an embarrassment. However, the problem with Gemini was not the focus on ethics, but rather the lack of proper application of ethical principles. Gemini seemed to have a “one size fits all” approach, resulting in a mix of diverse and cringeworthy outputs.
As someone who has worked on ethics in AI within technology companies for over a decade, including founding and co-leading Google’s “Ethical AI” team, I have unique insights into this issue. My co-lead and I were fired from Google after warning about potential issues with language generation, which many believe reflected systemic discrimination and a prioritization of speed over well-considered strategy in AI development. The Gemini debacle highlighted Google’s shortcomings in this area.
Moving forward, AI companies can improve by taking a more nuanced approach to ethical considerations in their technologies. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all mentality, companies should address foreseeable use cases to avoid inadvertently promoting harmful stereotypes or scenarios. By incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise on ethical issues, companies can ensure that their AI systems are more responsible and inclusive.
Overall, the Gemini incident serves as a cautionary tale for AI companies to prioritize ethical considerations in their development processes. By learning from past mistakes and engaging with experts in the field of AI ethics, companies can avoid similar controversies and ensure that their technologies are used responsibly and ethically. As the field of AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies to stay vigilant and proactive in addressing ethical concerns to build trust with users and the public.
