Google has officially apologized for an alarming push notification sent directly to users. The controversial Google Baftas alert explicitly suggested readers “see more” of a highly offensive racial slur. Consequently, the tech giant is scrambling to update its safety protocols.
This severe digital error occurred during ongoing media coverage of the recent film awards ceremony.
How the Google Baftas Alert Failed Users
The offending notification was linked to a major fallout from the latest Baftas event. During the broadcast, a guest with Tourette’s syndrome experienced an involuntary vocal tic. Tragically, this resulted in a racial slur being shouted as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan took the stage.
As publishers rushed to cover the incident, Google’s automated systems analyzed the trending content.
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The algorithm detected the slur across numerous online articles.
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The content system inappropriately utilized that exact word to categorize a push notification.
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The company clarified that this was a breakdown in safety triggers, not an issue with generative AI.
Many social media users initially blamed artificial intelligence for the shocking language. However, Google specifically denied those claims.
A Google spokesperson directly addressed the BBC regarding the breakdown.
“We’re deeply sorry for this mistake. We’ve removed the offensive notification and are working to prevent this from happening again.”
Backlash and Immediate Resolution
This is significant because Google News remains one of the most downloaded news applications in the United States. A failure in their content guardrails can instantly expose millions to harmful language.
Fortunately, the company stated that only a small fraction of users actually received the notification on Tuesday. Furthermore, developers removed the text rapidly once the mistake was identified.
Online creator Danny Price first highlighted the unacceptable Google Baftas alert on Instagram. He expressed intense outrage on Monday regarding the notification.
“What an interesting Black History month this has turned out to be,” he wrote. Black History month is currently being observed throughout February in the US.
Meanwhile, leaders from the awards ceremony and the BBC have already apologized for the original broadcast of the racist language. Google now admits this secondary digital incident “shouldn’t have happened” and is actively improving its notification guardrails.
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