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Google Deletes Pledge Vowing Not To Engage In AI For Harmful Applications

Feb 05, 2025 - digitalinformationworld.com
Google has revised its AI Principles, removing a pledge to avoid using AI for dangerous applications such as surveillance and weapons. This change reflects the company's ambition to expand its AI technology offerings to a broader audience, including governments, amidst a global competition for AI leadership, particularly between China and the US. The updated principles emphasize balancing benefits with risks and aligning with international law and human rights. These changes were announced before Google's Q4 earnings report, which fell short of expectations, causing a 9% drop in shares.

The original AI Principles, established in 2018, were influenced by employee protests against Google's involvement in Project Maven, a government contract for drone video analysis. Despite past controversies, Google has pursued federal contracts under CEO Sundar Pichai, leading to internal tensions and workforce protests, such as those against Project Nimbus with Israel. The company has faced criticism for potentially violating human rights and has updated internal guidelines to manage discussions on sensitive topics.

Key takeaways:

  • Google has removed a pledge from its AI Principles that previously prohibited the use of AI for dangerous applications, such as surveillance and weapons.
  • The updated AI Principles reflect Google's ambition to offer AI technology to a broader audience, including governments, amidst global competition in AI leadership.
  • The changes in AI Principles aim to align with international law and human rights, focusing on benefits that outweigh risks.
  • Google's history with AI ethics includes past controversies like Project Maven and Project Nimbus, which led to internal protests and workforce tensions.
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