Robby Starbuck Sues Google Over ‘Outrageously False’ AI Information
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has initiated legal action against Google, alleging that the company’s artificial intelligence systems have disseminated defamatory falsehoods about him. Starbuck is seeking at least $15 million in damages in a lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court.
Background of the Lawsuit
Starbuck claims that for nearly two years, Google has spread harmful misinformation via its AI products. These falsehoods include serious allegations such as sexual assault, child rape, and an extensive criminal history, none of which are true.
Details of Defamation Claims
- Starbuck asserts that Google’s platforms, including Bard and Gemini, have created false narratives about him.
- The lawsuit states that Google’s AI misrepresented his reputation to 2,843,917 unique users.
- Starbuck has reported receiving inquiries from individuals who believed these false claims.
According to Starbuck, the breaking point for his legal action occurred when he was falsely accused of child rape. He stated that this prompted him to file a lawsuit as a means of protecting his reputation.
Google’s Response
In response to the allegations, Google claims it could not replicate the results of the defamatory outputs in its consumer products. A spokesperson mentioned that “hallucinations” in AI are a known issue, where incorrect information is produced, but emphasized the company’s efforts to minimize such occurrences.
Implications of the Lawsuit
Starbuck believes that this lawsuit could set a significant legal precedent regarding the accountability of AI platforms. He highlights the potential dangers of AI being programmed to harm individuals, cautioning that such practices can contribute to serious reputational damage.
Previous Legal Battles
This lawsuit follows another case where Starbuck settled with Meta over similar defamation claims related to an AI chatbot’s false statements about him. Following the settlement, he began consulting for Meta, focusing on reducing bias in AI models and addressing misinformation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Starbuck’s case against Google highlights the growing concerns over the reliability and accountability of AI-generated information and the implications for individuals’ reputations.
