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Google has paused the ability to create pictures of people using Gemini’s AI image generation feature to fix some historical inaccuracies.
Some Gemini users have shared screenshots of apparent historical inaccuracies, with Gemini creating images of a Native American man and Indian woman when tasked with prompts such as a representative 1820s-era German couple. Images of indigenous soldiers were also apparently created to represent members of the 1929 German military, among other examples.

ah the classic super buff native american and indian couple from 1820 germany. thanks google! pic.twitter.com/4x1H4WsnJd
— kache (sponsored by dingboard) (@yacineMTB) February 20, 2024

 
This is perhaps not surprising to see when you remember that AI image generation learns only from what is fed into it. That means that human input or errors can quickly result in AI making up answers or filling in the gaps itself, resulting in inaccurate results like these. Generative AI cannot think for itself and will often make rapid jumps to fulfil a prompt.
Google’s response to the claims of historical inaccuracy
Google first acknowledged the issues with image generation on Wednesday, February 21, taking to X to say: “We’re working to improve these kinds of depictions immediately. Gemini’s AI image generation does generate a wide range of people. And that’s generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it’s missing the mark here.”
Now, Google has announced that it has paused the image generation of people within Gemini and is taking steps to address the issues. An updated version is planned to be released soon.

We’re already working to address recent issues with Gemini’s image generation feature. While we do this, we’re going to pause the image generation of people and will re-release an improved version soon. https://t.co/SLxYPGoqOZ
— Google Communications (@Google_Comms) February 22, 2024

The fix for these issues will presumably encompass some form of historical or real-world context into Gemini’s image generation. It remains to be seen exactly what Google will do to plug the gap and no timeline has been given for when a new and improved version will be available, with a fresh update to the model coming just last week. Gemini is still online and its image-generation features are still working for non-human subjects.
Featured image: X
The post Google pauses Gemini’s AI image generation features to fix historical inaccuracies appeared first on ReadWrite.

Self-driving taxi service Waymo has had a 120-day suspension, halting its efforts to expand its operations in 2024.
The California-based company applied to expand its robotaxi service to Los Angeles and San Mateo counties, but had the process suspended for 120 days by the California Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED). This doesn’t mean that Waymo has to stop its current operations but does infringe on its plans for the future.
At the moment, Waymo has operated a fleet of driverless vehicles in San Francisco since March of 2023 following a trial in Santa Monica, offering a 24/7 service. It recently expanded to include some areas of Los Angeles and had planned to expand its service in 2024 but will now need to wait until at least June 2024.
Why was the application suspended?
According to the CPED’s website, the application has been suspended for further review. However, Tech Crunch reported on Wednesday, February 21 that San Mateo County Board of Supervisors vice president David J. Canepa said it came down to public safety concerns.
“Since Waymo has stalled any meaningful discussions on its expansion plans into Silicon Valley, the CPUC has put the brakes on its application to test robotaxi service virtually unfettered both in San Mateo and Los Angeles counties,” Mr Canepa said. “This will provide the opportunity to fully engage the autonomous vehicle maker on our very real public safety concerns that have caused all kinds of dangerous situations for firefighters and police in neighboring San Francisco.”
As part of its application, Waymo had contacted several government and business organizations, including government officials in San Meteo’s Burlingame, Daly City and Foster City. The content of these discussions has not been made public but if Mr Canepa is to be believed, it seems local governments are as yet unconvinced about the safety of the driverless vehicles.
Featured image: Unsplash
The post Self-driving taxi service Waymo’s expanions plans are put on pause appeared first on ReadWrite.