Bard’s mistake costs Google a whopping $100 billion hit

While Google scampers in search of the best AI response to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a mistake by its Bard AI bot has cost its shares a massive $100 billion, or 7%, hit.

All of it happened Bard answers incorrectly to a query in an ad ironically designed to show off its AI capabilities. 

“What new discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope can I tell my 9 year old about?” Bard was shown being asked in the advert.

Bard responded that the telescope was the first to capture images of a planet outside our solar system, which was corrected by astronomers on Twitter, pointing out that the European Very Large Telescope had accomplished this feat in 2004. 

Investors were reportedly disappointed by the company’s presentation on its AI implementation plans. Google has faced challenges since OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, introduced its ChatGPT software, which became popular for its ability to ace business exams, write song lyrics, and answer various questions. 

Microsoft announced that its Bing search engine, which has long been behind Google, will use an even more advanced form of ChatGPT technology. While some have embraced AI advancements, skeptics have warned that rushing the technology can lead to errors or biases in results, as well as plagiarism issues.

Reacting to the controversy, a Google spokesperson said the error highlighted “the importance of a rigorous testing process, something that we’re kicking off this week with our Trusted Tester programme”.

They added that Google will combine external feedback with their own internal testing to make sure Bard’s responses meet a high bar for quality, safety, and roundedness in real-world information.