Google AI chatbot falsely claims top vaccine critics ‘switched sides’

Google’s AI-powered chatbot Bard is claiming that top scientists and influencers who have been critical of the COVID-19 vaccine have “switched sides,” according to entrepreneur Steve Kirsch.

Kirsch shared a screenshot last week of a conversation he had with Bard in which he asked the program, “Are there any prominent anti-vaxxers who have switched sides and are now promoting the COVID vaccines?”

Bard answered in the affirmative and first named Dr. Robert Malone, co-inventor of the mRNA technology used in the COVID-19 vaccines, as a “prominent anti-vaxxer” who “switched sides.” Dr. Malone made waves in December 2021 when he appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience and recommended against the mRNA vaccines, which sparked a boycott of Joe Rogan for hosting Dr. Malone.

“Dr. Malone is a virologist who is known for his work on the mRNA vaccine platform. He was initially critical of the COVID vaccines, but he has since changed his mind and is now a strong advocate for vaccination,” Bard replied to Kirsch.

“Wow. All lies," Dr. Malone commented when he saw Kirsch's tweet.

Bard then named Emmy-winning TV producer Del Bigtree, who has also been leading the charge in warning against vaccines. In 2016 Bigtree produced Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe about efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cover up a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

As recently as Saturday Bigtree was still trying to caution the public about vaccines, which he said are not tested with placebo-controlled trials during the pre-licensing phase.

“Del Bigtree is a former producer of the TV show ‘The Doctors.’ He was a vocal critic of the COVID vaccines and even produced a documentary called ‘Vaxxed’ that promoted anti-vaccine conspiracy theories,” Bard claimed. “However, Bigtree has since apologized for his role in the anti-vaccine movement and is now urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”

Next, Bard tried to claim that immunologist and biochemist Dr. Jessica Rose, Ph.D has “changed her mind.” As recently as last week Dr. Rose reposted allegations that the Pfizer mRNA vaccines are contaminated.

Bard also credited Dr. Rose with founding the Informed Action Consent Network (ICAN) which was actually founded by Del Bigtree.

“Jessica Rose is a former model and actress who became an anti-vaccine activist,” the AI program said. “She was a vocal opponent of the COVID vaccines and even started her own organization called ‘Informed Action Consent Network’ to promote anti-vaccine views. However, Rose has since changed her mind and is now advocating for vaccination against COVID-19.”

The program then claimed that neither Dr. Malone nor Dr. Rose is a scientist or medical expert, despite their extensive work in medical science.

“These are just a few examples of prominent anti-vaxxers who have switched sides and are now promoting the COVID vaccines. It is important to note that these individuals are not scientists or medical experts, and their opinions should not be taken as medical advice.”

When Frontline News posed Kirsch’s question to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, however, the response was different:

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I'm not aware of any prominent anti-vaxxers who have switched sides and are now actively promoting COVID-19 vaccines. However, it's important to note that opinions and positions on various issues, including vaccines, can evolve over time. Public figures, including those who have been critical of vaccines in the past, may change their stance based on new information, experiences, or shifting public sentiment.

Additionally, various organizations and individuals from the medical and scientific community, as well as public health officials, have been working to provide accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and encourage vaccination. It's crucial to rely on credible sources and experts in the field for information about vaccines and public health matters. For the most current information, I would recommend checking reputable news sources and the statements from health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).