Google has released a new commercial that imagines how the Founding Fathers might have drafted the Declaration of Independence with the help of Google Workspace and AI. The ad depicts Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and other historical figures using Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Meet to collaborate on the document. They also use Google's 'help me visualize' AI tool to design the national seal and receive advice from a chatbot.
The commercial has received mixed reactions, with some viewers praising its tongue-in-cheek humor and others criticizing its portrayal of AI's role in the creative process. Historian Angus Johnston noted that the ad's depiction of AI is not entirely accurate, saying 'even in a corny fantasy joke, it's impossible to make the case that AI is a useful tool for political organizing, writing, or human collaboration.'
The ad's use of AI-generated video footage has also been noted, giving the commercial an 'uncanny glow'. Overall, the commercial is a unique take on how technology might have influenced one of America's most important historical documents.
