Google’s controversial AI image chatbot, Gemini, developed by the tech giant, is still facing issues more than a month after creating ahistorical and inappropriate images, including a black Viking and Nazi-era soldiers. The chatbot’s glitch prompted Google to disable its ability to generate photos of humans in late February, but it remains offline, raising concerns among critics about CEO Sundar Pichai’s leadership.
Despite DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabisis’s initial promise to bring back the feature within two weeks, Google’s AI image generator is yet to be restored. Questions about the timeline for full recovery went unanswered by a Google spokesperson, leaving users uncertain about when the functionality will be reinstated.
The ongoing debacle has sparked criticism of Pichai’s leadership, with some suggesting that his position as CEO is in jeopardy due to the repeated mistakes under his watch. Concerns about Google’s handling of the Gemini chatbot, along with other recent failures like the botched Bird demo, have raised doubts about the company’s ability to compete effectively in the AI space.
Critics argue that Google’s recent troubles, including layoffs, evasive answers on earnings calls, and a lack of product innovation, indicate a deeper issue within the company’s culture. The lukewarm response to Google’s AI performance is reflected in the company’s stock price, which lagged behind the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Index in the first quarter.
Amidst growing scrutiny, investors and industry experts are questioning whether the current management team, including Pichai, is equipped to lead Google into the next era of AI innovation. Concerns about Google’s failure to keep up with rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI have further fueled doubts about the company’s future trajectory.
As Google grapples with internal unrest and external skepticism, the spotlight is on Pichai to address the challenges facing the tech giant. With the need to regain investor confidence and demonstrate strategic vision, Pichai’s leadership is under intense scrutiny, signaling a critical moment for Google’s future direction in the fiercely competitive AI landscape.
