The 8 worst technology failures of 2024 according to MIT

As 2024 draws to a close, several high-profile technological setbacks and controversies — from AI ethics concerns to space exploration challenges — offered sobering lessons about the complex interplay between innovation, responsibility, and sustainable business practices. Here is MIT’s 2024 list of biggest tech failures.

1. Google Gemini’s AI Image Generation Controversy

• • Google’s Gemini AI tool generated historically inaccurate diverse images
  • The incident sparked widespread criticism over AI bias and historical accuracy
  • Google temporarily disabled the feature following public backlash

2. Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Malfunction

• • Technical issues with Boeing’s spacecraft left NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station
  • The failure raised concerns about commercial space flight reliability
  • This setback impacted NASA’s space transportation capabilities

3. CrowdStrike’s Devastating Software Update

• • A faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread system disruptions
  • Delta Airlines filed a lawsuit due to resulting computer system problems
  • The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in enterprise security software deployment

4. Vertical Farming Industry Collapse

• • Bowery Farming, which raised $700 million in funding, declared bankruptcy
  • The failure demonstrated the economic challenges of indoor vertical farming
  • This collapse signaled broader issues within the vertical farming industry

5. Controversial Weaponized Technology in Lebanon

• • Israel allegedly deployed booby-trapped pagers in operations against Hezbollah
  • The incident raised ethical and legal questions about weaponized civilian technology
  • International concerns emerged over the use of such tactics

6. 23andMe’s Business Deterioration

• • The genetic testing company experienced severe stock price decline
  • Multiple business challenges emerged throughout the year
  • The company’s struggles reflected broader issues in the direct-to-consumer genetics market

7. AI-Generated Content Quality Crisis

• • Low-quality AI-generated content flooded online platforms
  • The proliferation of “AI slop” degraded internet content quality
  • This trend highlighted challenges in maintaining content standards in the AI era

8. Carbon Offset Market Failure

• • Companies like Nori and Running Tide ceased operations
  • Market credibility issues and lack of demand led to closures
  • The collapse exposed fundamental problems in voluntary carbon markets

Looking Forward: These failures of 2024 serve as crucial learning opportunities for the technology sector, highlighting the importance of thorough testing, ethical considerations, and sustainable business models in technological innovation.