Google Withdraws AI Wariness, Emphasizes National Security Collaboration

Google revised its AI principles, removing previous commitments against weapon and surveillance uses, emphasizing collaboration with governments for national security.

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Technology

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In a significant policy shift, Google has updated its AI ethical guidelines, removing commitments to avoid using AI for harmful applications like weapons and surveillance. Senior executives James Manyika and Demis Hassabis asserted that businesses and democracies should collaborate on AI to enhance national security amid a complex geopolitical landscape. The revised guidelines come as Google aims to expand its AI deployment and invest $75 billion in AI projects this year, despite reporting weaker-than-expected earnings. The change reflects a growing trend in Silicon Valley toward defense technology partnerships, particularly against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions.

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Highlights (3)

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Google's recent shift in its AI principles suggests a willingness to compromise ethical commitments in the face of an escalating global competition for AI dominance.
Google removes pledge to not use AI for weapons, surveillance
CNBC
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The change in Google's AI principles represents a troubling shift towards prioritizing national security and commercial interests over ethical considerations, abandoning a commitment to preventing potential harm.
Google owner Alphabet drops promise over 'harmful' AI uses
BBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The removal of Google's previous promises against developing AI for weapons and surveillance marks a troubling shift in the tech industry, as military collaboration becomes increasingly normalized amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Google's latest change to its AI policies signals how Silicon Valley is warming up to the defense industry
Business Insider
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center