Google is known for its leadership in artificial intelligence, but its latest Super Bowl ad has sparked more controversy than enthusiasm. The commercial, designed to highlight the capabilities of Gemini AI for small businesses, has been criticized for misrepresenting the tool’s actual abilities.

During one of the most high-profile advertising events of the year, Google showcased Gemini AI and Google Workspace. Among the featured businesses was Wisconsin Cheese Mart, a well-known seller of artisan cheeses. In the ad, Gemini AI appeared to generate a product description for Gouda cheese, demonstrating how the tool could assist business owners.

However, investigations revealed a major issue—the so-called AI-generated description had been on the Wisconsin Cheese Mart website since at least August 2020, long before Gemini AI’s launch in December 2023. This raised significant concerns about whether the content in the advertisement was genuinely created by AI or simply pre-existing material.

Compounding the issue, the ad also contained factual inaccuracies. At one point, the AI incorrectly claimed that Gouda cheese accounted for 50-60% of global cheese consumption, a statistic that is far from the truth. Once this error was pointed out, Google updated both the advertisement and the product description on the Wisconsin Cheese Mart website, seemingly to control the narrative rather than acknowledge the mistake.

As public scrutiny grew, Google’s leadership stepped in to defend the commercial. Jerry Dischler, President of Google Cloud Apps, argued that Gemini AI was not “hallucinating” but rather “grounded in the Web.” This explanation suggested that the AI was pulling existing information rather than generating new content, but it did not address concerns about misleading advertising.

Google spokesperson Michele Wyman later claimed that Wisconsin Cheese Mart’s owner had requested AI assistance in rewriting the product description. However, archived website data contradicted this statement, showing that the text had remained unchanged for years.

This controversy highlights a larger issue regarding the way AI is marketed. While artificial intelligence continues to evolve, overstating its capabilities can be misleading. Businesses and consumers rely on realistic expectations when adopting new technologies, and presenting pre-existing content as AI-generated creates confusion.

Beyond this specific case, the incident raises concerns about ethical AI promotion. Companies introducing emerging technologies should not need to fabricate success stories. When they do, it casts doubt on the transparency of their products and their commitment to honest marketing practices.

This is not the first time AI tools have faced criticism for misinformation or exaggerated claims. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, maintaining accuracy and honesty is crucial. Whether businesses are adopting AI tools or consumers are exploring their benefits, clear and truthful messaging is essential for building public trust.

While Google has revised its ad and updated statements, the broader issue of AI misrepresentation remains. Consumers should remain informed, ask critical questions about AI-powered tools, and avoid taking promotional claims at face value. Transparency, not hype, is the key to ensuring that artificial intelligence is both trusted and effectively utilized.