Apple has faced another setback when it comes to its artificial intelligence offerings. The tech giant is reportedly temporarily pulling its newly introduced AI feature that summarizes news notifications after it repeatedly sent users error-filled headlines, sparking backlash from a news organization and press freedom groups.
The company had to backtrack its feature after its highly publicized AI feature produced misleading or altogether false summaries of news headlines that appear almost identical to regular push notifications.
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Major media outlets, including the BBC and CNN, have expressed concern that Apple News may undermine traditional journalism by relying too heavily on algorithms instead of editorial judgment. There’s a fear that this could lead to less emphasis on credible news sources and diminish the role of professional journalists in shaping public discourse. Additionally, the algorithmic approach may prioritize entertainment-driven content over serious, investigative reporting.
Apple, as a dominant tech company, plays a significant role in shaping how people consume news, raising ethical questions about its responsibility to ensure the accuracy and diversity of the information presented. The controversy highlights broader challenges related to the influence of AI on news distribution, media credibility, and the broader implications for public trust in journalism.
On Thursday, Apple reportedly released a beta software update for developers that turned off the AI feature for news and entertainment headlines. The company plans to make this update available to all users later while they work on improving the AI. Apple plans to turn the feature back on in a future update.
A BBC spokesperson told CNN in December it “is critical that Apple urgently addresses these issues as the accuracy of our news is essential in maintaining trust. These AI summarisations by Apple do not reflect — and in some cases completely contradict — the original BBC content.”
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Apple’s decision to disable its AI-driven news and entertainment headline feature reflects its commitment to addressing concerns about accuracy and bias in news curation. By temporarily turning off the feature, the company aims to improve the technology and ensure it provides more reliable and balanced content. This move highlights the growing influence of AI in shaping how we consume news, while also emphasizing the need for responsible tech development.
Apple’s future updates will likely aim to strike a balance between innovation and maintaining the integrity of journalism, ensuring a more trustworthy news experience for users.