AI Assistants Found Making Widespread Errors About News, Study Warns

Sapatar / Updated: Oct 22, 2025, 16:20 IST 40 Share
AI Assistants Found Making Widespread Errors About News, Study Warns

A recent study has raised red flags about the accuracy of artificial intelligence assistants, revealing that popular AI tools frequently provide misleading or false information when summarizing or discussing current news events. The findings come at a time when millions rely on AI platforms for real-time updates, increasing concerns about misinformation in the digital age.


Study finds significant factual errors
The research, conducted by a team of computer scientists and media experts, tested several major AI assistants — including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude — on their ability to summarize recent news articles. Results showed that nearly 60% of AI-generated summaries contained factual inaccuracies, while 35% included outdated or fabricated details. These errors were often presented with high confidence, making them difficult for users to detect.


Bias and hallucination remain persistent issues
The study also noted that AI assistants sometimes introduced bias or “hallucinated” details not found in the original sources. These issues were particularly common in politically charged or breaking news topics. Researchers emphasized that while large language models excel in general knowledge and writing fluency, they still struggle to verify information in real time or cross-check against reliable databases.


Experts call for transparency and better safeguards
Experts behind the study have urged AI companies to implement stronger fact-checking systems, timestamped sourcing, and visible citations. “AI assistants are shaping how millions of people perceive news events. Without transparency, they risk amplifying misinformation rather than combating it,” the report stated.


Tech companies respond to findings
In response to the study, several AI developers said they are working to improve accuracy. OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic all confirmed ongoing efforts to enhance their assistants’ real-time data verification and media literacy features. However, experts warn that such improvements may take time and that users should continue to cross-check AI-generated news summaries with trusted sources.


The growing importance of media literacy in the AI era
The report concludes that AI literacy among users is now as vital as media literacy, urging educators, policymakers, and tech companies to collaborate on awareness initiatives. As AI becomes a dominant source of information, the ability to question and verify its outputs will play a crucial role in preserving factual integrity.