Google's AI-generated defamation allegations about Robby Starbuck cleared for lawsuit
A Delaware court allowed conservative commentator Robby Starbuck's defamation lawsuit against Google to proceed, rejecting Google's motion to dismiss. Starbuck alleges that Google AI generated and published false statements about him, including accusations of sexual assault, rape, stolen valor, involvement in the Capitol riot, and various criminal convictions, to third parties including his children and colleagues.
What happened
Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck sued Google LLC alleging that Google AI generated and published false statements about him to third parties, including his children and colleagues.
The alleged false statements included claims that Starbuck had been accused of sexual assault and harassment, rape of a minor, stolen valor regarding military service, engagement in abusive behavior toward women (including a fictitious ex-wife), involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, stalking and harassment leading to restraining orders and criminal charges, criminal conviction for violating a restraining order, work in the adult film industry with allegations of exploitation and non-consensual acts, and a criminal record including a 2001 conviction for assault and other charges. Google did not contend that these outputs were true.
Reported impact
The false statements were published to third parties, with at least two individuals reportedly approaching Starbuck regarding misrepresentations produced to them by Google AI.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.