Google Introduces ChatGPT Rival Bard In EU, Brazil

News Desk

Paris: Google launched its AI chatbot Bard in the European Union, Brazil, and a dozen other countries on Thursday and unveiled new features as it expanded access to its answer to Microsoft-backed ChatGPT.

The US tech giant unveiled Bard in February but delayed its release in the European Union as the bloc plans to regulate artificial intelligence amid concerns about risks associated with the rapidly growing technology.

Google has raced to catch up with rival Microsoft which has rushed to integrate ChatGPT-like powers into a wide array of its products, including the Bing search engine.

“As part of our bold and responsible approach to AI, we’ve proactively engaged with experts, policymakers, and privacy regulators on this expansion,” said Bard Product Lead Jack Krawczyk and Vice President Amarnag Subramanya.

The company said it would incorporate user feedback and take steps to protect people’s privacy and data as it broadens access to Bard. The AI tool can now be used in over 40 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi, and Spanish. It was previously available in three languages: English, Japanese, and Korean.

Google also announced new features, including receiving audio responses from Bard or answers in five different styles: simple, long, short, professional, or casual. Another new feature allows users to upload photos that Bard can analyze for information.

Last month, the European Parliament backed a draft law that will be the basis for the world’s first comprehensive rules for AI. It includes specific provisions for generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT and Dall-E, capable of producing text, images, and other media.

The parliament and the EU’s member states will negotiate on the regulation before it is approved, and the bloc wants to strike a deal by the end of the year.

The rules stipulate that AI-generated content must be declared as such and ban some AI, including real-time facial recognition systems.