The Guardian accuses Microsoft’s AI of damaging its reputation

The Guardian has accused Microsoft of damaging its model by including an offensive AI-generated ballot to certainly one of its articles.

In a narrative reporting on the demise of 21-year-old Lilie James, whose physique was discovered with severe head accidents in Australia, the tech big’s AI requested readers to vote on the reason for her passing, giving them the choices of homicide, accident or suicide.

Livid readers reacted by describing the ballot as “disgusting” and calling for the immediate dismissal of the journalist – who had nothing to do with the ballot.

Why we care. Microsoft’s resolution to make use of AI as a substitute of human writers is inflicting issues once more. It is a clear reminder of why companies ought to make the most of AI to help human efforts fairly than substitute them. Neglecting this method may injury your model’s repute and adversely have an effect on your search rankings.

How this occurred. Microsoft has agreements with main information organizations around the globe, reminiscent of The Guardian and CNN, beneath which it might republish their articles in return for a portion of advert income. Nonetheless, when the tech big republished this story, its AI know-how routinely added the offensive ballot.

What The Guardian is saying. Anna Bateson, chief government of the Guardian Media Group, wrote to Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, accusing the corporate of upsetting James’ household, in addition to inflicting “vital reputational injury” to each the newspaper and the journalist. She mentioned:

• “That is clearly an inappropriate use of genAI [generative AI] by Microsoft on a probably distressing public curiosity story, initially written and revealed by Guardian journalists.”

Bateson then requested Smith to reassure her that:

• “Microsoft is not going to apply experimental AI know-how on or alongside Guardian journalism with out the information writer’s approval; and Microsoft will at all times make it clear to customers when AI instruments are used to create extra models and options subsequent to trusted information manufacturers just like the Guardian.”

What Microsoft is saying. A Microsoft spokesperson mentioned:

• “Now we have deactivated Microsoft-generated polls for all information articles and we’re investigating the reason for the inappropriate content material. A ballot shouldn’t have appeared alongside an article of this nature, and we’re taking steps to assist stop this sort of error from reoccurring sooner or later.”

Historical past repeating itself. This is not the primary time Microsoft’s generative AI has landed the tech big in hassle. In September, the corporate was closely criticized after publishing an AI-generated obituary for NBA star Brandon Hunter.

The previous Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic participant handed away immediately this week, aged 42, after collapsing throughout a sizzling yoga class in Orlando, Fl. Shortly after his passing, followers have been shocked to see the daddy of three described as “ineffective” in an obituary revealed on MSN. The headline learn:

• “Brandon Hunter ineffective at 42.”

Readers reacted by branding Microsoft “lazy” for leveraging AI to create articles and urged the corporate to rehire the editorial workers it changed with AI.

Deep dive. Learn the Guardian’s response in full for extra info.