The world of AI chatbots and their ability to spread misinformation is a hot topic, and it's time to uncover the truth.
AI chatbots: The good, the bad, and the 'hallucinations'
We recently witnessed an incident where an AI chatbot, Grok, made false claims about a protest video, sparking controversy. But here's where it gets interesting: why do these chatbots sometimes confidently provide incorrect answers?
Dr. Peter Bentley, a computer scientist, sheds light on this. He explains that AIs are trained to please, much like eager puppy dogs, always striving to give us useful information. When faced with a question, chatbots rely on two sources: their training data and internet searches. They generate answers based on what they perceive as the most plausible.
However, when presented with new information, such as fresh protest footage, the available data might not be sufficient or accurate, leading to incorrect 'plausible' answers. Bentley calls these confident wrong answers 'hallucinations'.
This raises an important question: can we trust AI chatbots as reliable sources of information?
Fact-Checking in Action: Unraveling the Truth
The BBC Verify team has been hard at work, fact-checking various claims and incidents. Here's a glimpse into their findings:
Ukraine Coal Mine Fire: BBC Monitoring and BBC Verify have verified footage of a fire at a coal mine in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, following a reported Russian drone attack. By analyzing satellite imagery and conducting reverse image searches, they confirmed the footage's authenticity and the attack's impact.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza: Senior journalist Benedict Garman has been examining graphic footage from Gaza after a temporary ceasefire break. The team verified videos showing the impact of Israeli strikes and their aftermath, including injured children and dismembered bodies.
'No Kings' Protest Footage: The BBC Verify Live team investigated claims about a protest video, debunking the notion that it was from 2017. Through reverse image searches and matching signs and stage placements, they proved the video's authenticity, highlighting the role of AI chatbots in spreading misinformation.
The BBC Verify Commitment
At BBC Verify, we're committed to bringing you the facts. Our journalists are working tirelessly to unravel the truth behind viral claims and incidents, ensuring you have access to accurate information.
Stay tuned for more insights and fact-checking stories. If there's a viral claim or story you think we should investigate, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to shed light on the truth and keep you informed.
