Algorithms · November 2026Gaffe level: Feral
Google AI Falsely Links Auckland Anaesthetic Technician to Drink-Driving Convictions
Google's AI Overview accused Tracey Melsom-Page, an Auckland anaesthetic technician with 39 years in public hospitals and no criminal history, of drink-driving convictions and lying about them, based on a 2023 Herald article that never named her. When the Herald questioned it, the AI doubled down, claiming tribunal records identified her, before admitting a 'logical error.' Google says it is investigating.
Source: NZ Herald
Google's Flood Hub Brings AI Flash-Flood Warnings to 2 Billion People
Google's Groundsource system forecasts urban flash floods up to 24 hours ahead, and through Flood Hub it now reaches 2 billion people in more than 150 countries. The Southern African Development Community used the beta version to request monitoring of flood events, and partners used the forecasts to warn of flooding in Vietnam three days before Typhoon Matmo made landfall.
Source: Seoul Economic Daily