New Google commercial imagines a Declaration of Independence written with help from AI

In a creative twist, Google has released a commercial that envisions how the Founding Fathers might have utilized modern technology during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Set 250 years after this pivotal moment in history, the ad humorously imagines Thomas Jefferson receiving a text from Ben Franklin while working on the document. The tagline, "Group project, but make it 1776," sets a lighthearted tone as the scene unfolds. As Jefferson works, the commercial showcases a range of Google tools in action. Suggestions for edits appear in Google Docs, meetings are scheduled via Google Calendar, and conversations are conducted over Google Meet—where all participants amusingly keep their cameras off. The ad culminates in a digital finale complete with e-signatures and celebratory fireworks. AI plays a significant role in this fictionalized narrative. The Founding Fathers utilize Google’s AI tool, dubbed “help me visualize,” to experiment with different animals for the national seal. Additionally, they consult an AI chatbot for advice, notably before turning down a document access request from King George III. The humor is evident, with characters like Sam Adams jokingly asking if they can “settle this over beers.” Despite the playful tone, the ad has sparked mixed reactions online. While many comments on platforms like YouTube and Instagram have been positive, critics on Bluesky have labeled the commercial as “cringey” and “stunningly tone deaf.” Some users, including historian Angus Johnston, pointed out that the portrayal of AI’s utility in political processes is questionable, arguing that even in a comedic context, it fails to convincingly demonstrate AI as a valuable tool for collaboration in such significant matters.