Conservative Activist Sues Google for AI-Created Statements

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company’s artificial intelligence systems generated false and defamatory information about him. The lawsuit was filed in Delaware state court on October 22, 2023.

Allegations Against Google’s AI Systems

Starbuck claims that Google’s AI produced statements labeling him as a “child rapist,” “serial sexual abuser,” and “shooter.” He states that these damaging claims reached millions of users through search results and AI responses.

In a statement, Starbuck emphasized that political beliefs should not subject anyone to harmful misinformation. He asserted, “No one — regardless of political beliefs — should ever experience this.” He advocates for the development of transparent AI systems that cannot be misused to harm individuals.

Details of the Lawsuit

Following an incident in December 2023, Starbuck learned that Google’s Bard AI mistakenly associated him with white nationalist Richard Spencer. The lawsuit claims that Bard provided fabricated sources and that Google did not rectify the misinformation after Starbuck raised concerns.

• Starbuck also alleges that Google’s Gemma chatbot spread false accusations regarding sexual assault in August.
• Additional claims include spousal abuse and participation in the January 6 Capitol riots.
• Starbuck mentioned that the chatbot linked him to Jeffrey Epstein, further complicating his reputation.

Impact of False Accusations

Starbuck revealed that some individuals believed the false statements. He expressed concern that these misconceptions might lead to serious threats against his life, referencing the recent assassination of fellow conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Previous Legal Actions

This complaint is not Starbuck’s first confrontation with social media companies. He filed a separate lawsuit against Meta Platforms in April 2023. That case concluded in August, with a settlement in which Starbuck advised Meta on AI issues.

Seeking Damages

In his current lawsuit against Google, Starbuck is pursuing at least $15 million in damages. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises significant questions about the responsibility of tech companies in ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content.