Apple has announced it will update its controversial AI feature, following complaints from the BBC about inaccurate news alerts generated by the system. Instead of pausing the AI feature, Apple stated that it is working on a software update to improve its accuracy and clarify when notifications are AI-generated summaries.
This decision comes after multiple incidents where the AI tool misinterpreted or fabricated news content, misleading users. One of the more serious issues arose when an AI-generated summary falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione, a suspect in a high-profile case, had shot himself. The error sparked outrage after it was reported through Apple’s AI system.
Further concerns were raised on Friday when the same AI tool inaccurately reported that Luke Littler had won the PDC World Darts Championship several hours before the event began and that Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal had publicly announced he is gay. These errors drew criticism, as they did not align with the content the BBC had published.
The BBC’s complaint centered on the fact that these AI-generated summaries were appearing to come from within the BBC app, despite being fabricated or misinterpreted content. The BBC issued a statement emphasizing the importance of news accuracy, noting that such errors undermine the trust readers place in the organization.
In response, Apple acknowledged the flaws and assured that the software update would “further clarify” when content was AI-generated, preventing similar issues in the future. Apple stressed that the technology is still in its early stages and is actively working on enhancing its accuracy.
This issue has sparked widespread conversations about the role AI plays in news distribution and the responsibility tech companies like Apple have in ensuring accurate content is shared with users. The BBC has urged Apple to act quickly to resolve the problem, noting that the integrity of news content is vital for maintaining public trust.