In response to online backlash, Google has decided to pull an Olympics ad featuring its AI chatbot, Gemini. The advertisement showcased a young girl and her father using the tool to write a fan letter to Olympic athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The company stated that it phased out the commercial due to feedback received from viewers.

Titled "Dear Sydney," the ad depicted the girl's father requesting Gemini's assistance in crafting a letter expressing admiration for the inspiring athlete. The commercial briefly showcased the draft generated by the AI chatbot before concluding with footage of the little girl running on the track, accompanied by a text overlay that read, "A little help from Gemini."

While the ad can still be viewed on YouTube, it has been removed from the airwaves where it was repeatedly aired during the first week of the Games. A spokesperson from Google stated that the decision to phase out the commercial from their Olympics rotation was made in light of the feedback received.

Google emphasized that it views the Gemini app as a tool that provides a starting point for writing ideas but acknowledges the importance of human creativity, stating, "We believe that AI can be a great tool for enhancing human creativity, but can never replace it." The company's initial defense of the ad was met with continued criticism, particularly regarding the encouragement of automation over authenticity, especially when involving children.

Notably, Google is not the only company facing criticism for ads that promote the replacement of creative tasks with AI. Apple, in a recent commercial, faced backlash and subsequently apologized for showcasing a hydraulic press machine crushing music instruments and paint cans to promote its new iPad Pro.

As discussions surrounding the impact of AI on creative jobs continue, OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, acknowledged that while some creative jobs may be affected by AI, there are certain roles that perhaps should not have existed. This statement comes after Hollywood actors and unions raised concerns about the use of their voices in AI applications without their consent.

Although the ad has been phased out, Google remains committed to showcasing authentic stories that celebrate Team USA. The company's decision to pull the advertisement aims to address the concerns raised by viewers and ensure that AI is seen as a tool to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.

Note: CNBC parent NBCUniversal owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics, and NBC Olympics holds the U.S. broadcast rights for all Summer and Winter Games until 2032.