Meta AI won't answer election-related queries in India
Meta recently began testing its chatbot, Meta AI, across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger platforms in India. Now, as the country's general elections commence, Meta has started to restrict certain election-related keywords within its chatbot. The strategy to limit election-related queries is part of a larger initiative to curb misinformation and promote a safer online environment during the election season.
Approach to handling election-related queries
Meta AI appears to manage election-related queries using a blocklist. When users ask about specific politicians, candidates, or officeholders, the chatbot directs them to the Election Commission's website. However, the company doesn't strictly block responses to questions containing party names. If a query includes candidate names or other terms, users may receive a standard response directing them to the Election Commission's site.
Inconsistencies in response system
There have been some inconsistencies noted in Meta AI's response system. For example, when TechCrunch asked about the "Indi Alliance," a political alliance opposing the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it received information containing a politician's name. However, when asked separately about the politician, the chatbot did not provide any information. This highlights potential gaps in the chatbot's current blocklist approach to handling election-related queries.
Meta joins other tech firms in limiting AI services
Meta's decision to limit certain queries aligns it with other major tech firms that have taken similar steps ahead of significant elections. Critics have expressed concerns about generative AI systems potentially spreading misleading or false information, which could interfere with the democratic process. Last month, Google also began restricting election-related queries in its Gemini chatbot experience in India and other countries holding elections this year.
