Google AI Push Alert Contains Racial Slur, Prompting Apology and Industry Concern
Key Points
- Google's AI‑generated push alert mistakenly included the N‑word.
- The alert linked to a Hollywood Reporter story about a BAFTA awards incident.
- Instagram user Danny Price first reported the issue with a screenshot.
- Google removed the notification and apologized, pledging to prevent recurrence.
- The BAFTA incident involved an audience member with Tourette syndrome shouting the slur during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
- Activist John Davidson said he was "deeply mortified" and emphasized the involuntary nature of his tics.
- The incident sparked public outrage and discussion about vocal tics.
- Apple previously scrapped AI push notifications after similar high‑profile mistakes.
Google issued an AI‑generated push notification that included the N‑word, linking to a Hollywood Reporter story about a recent BAFTA awards incident. The offensive alert was identified by Instagram user Danny Price, leading Google to remove the notification and apologize. The BAFTA incident involved an audience member with Tourette syndrome who involuntarily shouted the slur during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, sparking outrage and renewed discussion about vocal tics. The episode adds to a series of high‑profile AI errors, including earlier missteps by Apple.
Google's AI Push Notification Error
Google sent out an AI‑generated push alert that mistakenly included the N‑word. The notification contained a link to a Hollywood Reporter article about a recent incident at the BAFTA Film Awards. The offensive word appeared directly under the link, prompting immediate backlash.
The issue was first spotted by Instagram user Danny Price, who shared a screenshot with the caption "what an interesting Black History Month this has turned out to be." In response, Google removed the offensive notification, issued an apology, and said it was "working to prevent this from happening again."
Context of the BAFTA Incident
The linked Hollywood Reporter story covered an incident at the BAFTA awards where an audience member with Tourette syndrome shouted the N‑word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage presenting an award. The individual, identified as activist John Davidson, later explained that the outburst was involuntary and expressed that he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intention or to carry any meaning." The incident ignited public outrage and renewed discussion about the realities of living with vocal tics.
Industry Reactions and Previous AI Mistakes
The Google mishap joins a growing list of high‑profile AI errors. Apple, for example, discontinued its own AI‑driven push notifications after a series of embarrassing mistakes, including an incorrect report that a man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had shot himself. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in deploying AI for automated content delivery and underscore the need for stronger safeguards.
Both companies have indicated a commitment to improving their AI systems to avoid future errors that could cause public harm or offense.