Google apologises after AI news alert includes racial slur

Google

• Google apologised after AI news alert used a racial slur
• Slur appeared in BAFTA Awards push notification
• Google removed the alert and pledged to prevent future errors

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Google has apologised after an AI-generated news alert sent to users included the N-word, according to reporting by Deadline.

The push notification linked to a story from The Hollywood Reporter about an incident at the recent BAFTA Film Awards. The racial slur appeared directly in the notification preview beneath the link.

The error was first highlighted by Instagram user Danny Price, who shared a screenshot of the alert with a caption referencing Black History Month. The image quickly circulated online, prompting criticism of Google’s automated news systems.

In a statement, Google said it had “removed the offensive notification” and was “working to prevent this from happening again.” The company did not detail how the AI system generated or approved the wording before distribution.

The alert referenced an incident at the BAFTAs in which an audience member with Tourette syndrome shouted the N-word as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to present an award. Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, who made the comment, later said he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intention or to carry any meaning.” The episode sparked debate about both live-event safeguards and the realities of living with vocal tics.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of high-profile AI missteps in automated news delivery. Last year, Apple scaled back its own AI-powered push notifications after a string of errors. In one widely reported mistake, the system incorrectly informed readers that Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself.