Google has faced criticism for its AI technology after a Super Bowl ad claimed that Dutch cheese, Gouda, accounted for 50-60% of global cheese consumption – a claim later found to be false. The company initially defended the ad but eventually corrected it and removed the incorrect statistic from its website.
According to travel blogger Nate Hake, the error was pointed out after he noted that cheddar and mozzarella are more popular cheeses in the US, according to government data. Agricultural economists have also disputed the figure, suggesting that other types of cheese, such as Indian paneer or South American fresh cheeses, may be more widely consumed globally.
Google’s AI technology has struggled with accuracy, with errors evident in a recent ad featuring Wisconsin Cheese Mart and a statement from an agricultural economist at Cornell University. The company has acknowledged the mistake and taken steps to correct it, removing the incorrect statistic from its website and updating its user interface to reflect this change.
The incident highlights the challenges of developing AI technology that can accurately provide information and fact-check itself. While Google and other tech companies tout the benefits of generative AI, examples like this show that more work is needed to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/02/09/google-gemini-ai-super-bowl-ad-cheese-gouda