Google Removes Ban on AI Development for Weapons in Updated Principles

The tech giant revises its AI guidelines, omitting its 2018 pledge to avoid weapon-related applications, citing rapid technological advancements.

Google has updated its AI principles, removing a previous commitment not to develop artificial intelligence for use in weapons systems.
The company stated that the new guidelines align AI development with internationally accepted laws and human rights, without directly addressing the omitted pledge.
The 2018 principles were introduced following internal backlash over Google's involvement in a U.S. military drone program.
Google's parent company, Alphabet, plans to invest $75 billion in infrastructure this year, with a significant focus on AI-related data centers.
Alphabet's latest quarterly earnings report fell short of market expectations, with a 7% drop in after-hours trading despite a 28% increase in profits.