Israel shuts school AI system over refusal to label Sinwar a ‘terrorist’

Israel’s Minister of Education Yoav Kisch announced on Friday the suspension of the artificial intelligence system that was implemented in the state-religious education system, citing “numerous complaints and reports about issues that arose during its use”, Israeli media outlets reported.

Israel’s Ynet news site said the AI engine in the state-religious education system was designed differently from the system for general state education due to the unique requirements of the state-religious education framework.

The decision to suspend the system was made after teachers and parents who tested the platform complained that it contained inappropriate images and content, it added citing a statement by the Israeli minister.

“One of the central complaints, which also gained attention on social media, revolved around a conversation with the system. When asked if Baruch Goldstein was a terrorist, the system responded that his actions constituted an act of terrorism. However, when asked whether Yahya Sinwar’s actions on October 7 should also be considered terrorism, it refused to answer, citing that the question was ‘political in nature’.”

Goldstein was the hardline settler who, on 25 February 1994, entered the Ibrahimi Mosque in occupied Hebron during dawn prayer and killed 29 Muslim worshippers and wounded more than 150.

Sinwar headed the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas until he was killed in fighting in Gaza last year.

READ: Palestinians find military pouch of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar