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Google Pulls Controversial ‘Dear Sydney’ TV Spot in Which Dad Uses AI to Write Daughter’s Fan Letter

Google has pulled a commercial in which a father uses AI to write a fan letter from his young daughter to track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Google has pulled from NBC Universal’s Paris Olympics broadcasts a commercial in which a father uses AI to write a fan letter from his young daughter to American track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The spot, which debuted during NBCU’s well-watched Paris Olympics coverage, immediately sparked backlash for presenting a scenario in which crafting such a first fan letter is not a teaching moment, but something for a child to outsource to AI. Our goal was to create an authentic story [that] showcases a real-life track enthusiast and her father, and aims to show how the Gemini app can provide a starting point, thought starter, or early draft for someone looking for ideas for their writing.”

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