Restaurant Faces Customer Backlash over false Google AI Promotions
Stefanina’s Italian Restaurant is dealing with frustrated customers due to inaccurate details provided by google’s AI Overviews. According to a Facebook post from the restaurant on June 27, 2024, the AI is advertising specials that do not exist and even inventing menu items, leading to angry confrontations with staff.
“Google AI is not accurate and is telling people specials that do not exist wich is causing angry customers yelling at our employees,” the post stated. The restaurant clarified they have no control over Google’s postings and will not honor any AI-generated offers.
This issue highlights the ongoing problem of “hallucinations” – the tendency of large language models to generate plausible but false information. Google’s AI Overviews have previously been criticized for bizarre recommendations, including suggesting glue be added to pizza.
Eva Gannon, a member of the restaurant’s owning family, explained to First Alert that the AI falsely advertised deals like a large pizza being sold at the price of a small one. “It’s coming back on us,” Gannon said, emphasizing that as a small business, they cannot fulfill AI-created promotions.
Stefanina’s is not alone in experiencing negative consequences from Google’s AI. In June,a Minnesota-based solar firm filed a lawsuit against Google,alleging defamation. the lawsuit claims the AI Overviews falsely stated the company was facing a lawsuit for deceptive sales practices.
These incidents raise concerns about relying on AI tools for accurate information. Despite these issues, Google is actively promoting its AI capabilities, including an ad campaign encouraging users to “Just Ask google” for assistance with various tasks. On Thursday, June 27, 2024, google announced its AI Mode can now assist with making restaurant reservations.
