Google has quietly edited its AI-powered Super Bowl commercial to remove an incorrect statistic about Gouda cheese, following criticism from experts and online sleuths. The ad, which showcased Gemini's AI capabilities, initially claimed that Gouda accounts for "50 to 60 percent of the world's cheese consumption."

However, Andrew Novakovic, E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus at Cornell University, disputed the figure, stating that Gouda "is almost assuredly not the most widely consumed" cheese in the world. A quick web search revealed that Gemini's response was likely sourced from a website called Cheese.com, which features SEO-optimized blogs.

Initially, Google Cloud apps president Jerry Dischler defended the response, saying on X that it's "grounded in the Web" and "not a hallucination." However, the company has since edited the YouTube video, with Gemini's response now stating that Gouda is simply "one of the most popular cheeses in the world."

The change was first spotted by @natejhake on X. While a disclaimer beneath Gemini's response notes that it's "not intended to be factual," critics argue that a tool framed as a writing aid for businesses should at least back itself up with reliable sources.

This incident highlights the importance of fact-checking and reliable sourcing in AI-generated content. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in various industries, it's crucial that these systems are designed to provide accurate and trustworthy information.

The edited ad raises questions about the accountability of AI systems and their potential to spread misinformation. Google's decision to correct the mistake is a step in the right direction, but it also underscores the need for more robust fact-checking mechanisms in AI development.

In the context of the Super Bowl ad, the corrected response may seem like a minor issue. However, it has significant implications for the broader conversation around AI ethics and the importance of transparency in AI development.

As AI continues to shape the tech landscape, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in ensuring that these systems provide accurate and reliable information.