Google has updated its ethical AI guidelines, removing a promise not to use AI for surveillance or warfare. The decision has sparked concern among employees, who have taken to the company’s internal message board to express their dismay.
The new guidelines, unveiled by CEO Sundar Pichai and Google DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis and James Manyika, emphasize the need for businesses and governments to work together on “national security” issues. The updated language acknowledges that democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values such as freedom and respect for human rights.
The move has been met with skepticism by some employees, who feel that Google is watering down its stance on AI ethics. In a series of memes shared on the internal message board Memegen, some employees questioned whether the company was abandoning its commitment to non-military uses of AI.
However, it’s worth noting that not all employees are opposed to the change. Some have taken to social media to express support for tech companies working closely with defense customers and the US government.
Google’s decision comes as the technology landscape continues to shift towards more military-oriented applications of AI. The company’s move has left it out of several military deals signed by other tech giants, including Amazon and Microsoft.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/google-employees-slam-company-after-it-ditches-ai-weapons-pledge-2025-2