Google pulls Gemini AI ad from Olympics after backlash

Google pulled its controversial Gemini AI ad from Olympics after backlash over its method of writing fan letters for a child.

: Google faced backlash for its 'Dear Sydney' Gemini AI ad during the Olympics coverage. Viewers criticized the ad for undermining the personal touch of fan letters. Google clarified the ad's intent but decided to pull it. This incident highlights the struggle big tech faces in using AI effectively while maintaining authenticity.

Google has pulled its 'Dear Sydney' ad from Olympics coverage after several days of backlash. The ad featured a father using Gemini AI to write a fan letter to US track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on behalf of his daughter, which many viewers criticized for missing the point of personal, heartfelt communication.

The 'Dear Sydney' ad received scorn on social media, with Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri expressing intense dislike. Critics argued that relying on AI to write fan letters encourages people to avoid genuine expression and connection.

In response, Google acknowledged the feedback, stating the ad aimed to show Gemini as a tool for generating writing ideas rather than replacing human effort. However, the controversy underscores how tech companies struggle to align AI applications with expectations for authentic human experiences.

Gemini AIOlympicsAd backlash