Last Updated: October 26, 2023, 14:22 IST
Google is bringing new rules for apps using AI tech
Google is making these changes as apps have started using generative AI to push new features for the users.
Google realises the surge of AI is slowly making its way to the Play Store which needs tweaking the policies for apps that safeguard against possible AI incidents. Google accepts that it cannot block AI-influenced apps on the Play Store or stop people from installing them on their phones. So it feels the best way to handle these changes is to change the rules and bring the so-called AI apps into its jurisdiction.
The rules say any app which integrates generative AI for chatbots, images or even text, will need to set up an in-app reporting mechanism to ensure that the AI does not generate offensive content. AI systems across the board are still learning the trades of the business, and they come with a clear warning about being inaccurate or misleading in some cases.
Google will make these rules applicable from early next year, which gives enough time for the app developers to tweak their design and add the in-app flagging option. AI content has become widely available but people have questioned its originality, as the content is basically created based on existing material which is further improvised by the technology.
Google is clearly aware of the issues that AI apps can cause, and it wants to prevent such events by revising its app policies. But it is up to the company how it implements these changes, and oversees the content flagging is done in the right manner.
Over the years, Google has been accused of controlling the narrative of apps based on its preference, something we have seen this week when two Samsung apps were mistakenly flagged as harmful for users. It is all good to have rules and show Google in a proactive light but unless they act on possible violations, apps will continue to flourish on the Play Store which is then seen as a safe choice for the users.
