Alphabet to limit election queries Bard and AI-based search can answer

Dec 20, 2023 ·

Alphabet Inc. has announced plans to limit search queries related to election results using its AI-based search engine, BARD (Brain-Assisted Responsive Discovery). The decision comes as part of a larger effort by the company to prevent the spread of misinformation in the months leading up to the 2024 US presidential election.

BARD is Alphabet's first AI-driven search engine, which uses natural language queries to help users find relevant information quickly. It was launched last year and has become popular for its ability to process complex user requests.

However, in a statement released this week, Alphabet said it would limit searches related to election results until after the electoral votes are tallied. This will ensure that no false information is spread via BARD before the official election results are known.

Alphabet also said that it would continue to monitor searches for any suspicious activity or potential attempts at manipulating the system. In addition, the company has banned certain words associated with political disinformation from appearing in search results.

The announcement from Alphabet is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the upcoming election. In recent months, several tech companies have taken steps to combat election-related misinformation, including Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

The measures come as Americans prepare for a contentious election next year. While some analysts believe that the outcome of the race could be determined by voter turnout, the role of technology in the 2020 election is likely to be pivotal. By limiting certain queries on BARD, Alphabet is taking an important step towards ensuring the accuracy of the elections.