Alphabet has dropped its promise not to use artificial intelligence for purposes such as developing weapons and surveillance tools. The US technology company updated its ethical guidelines, removing the reference to avoiding technologies that could cause harm.
The new guidelines prioritize national security and suggest that democracies should lead in AI development, guided by freedom, equality, and human rights. Alphabet’s AI head, Demis Hassabis, defended the move, stating that AI should protect national security and promote global growth.
The company’s shift in stance comes amid growing debate over how to govern AI and guard against its risks. British computer scientist Stuart Russell has warned of the dangers of developing autonomous weapon systems and argued for a system of global control.
Alphabet reported lower-than-forecast earnings, partly due to slower growth in its cloud business. However, the company plans to spend $75bn on capital expenditure in the next year, largely to build out its AI capabilities and infrastructure.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/05/google-owner-drops-promise-not-to-use-ai-for-weapons