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Google Removes Ban on AI for Weapons and Surveillance in Policy Shift

The tech giant updates its AI principles, dropping a commitment not to develop applications for military or surveillance use.

Overview

  • Google has removed language from its AI principles that prohibited the use of its AI technologies for weapons and surveillance.
  • The updated policy eliminates a section detailing 'AI applications we will not pursue,' which previously included technologies causing harm or violating human rights.
  • The company now emphasizes collaboration with governments and organizations to align AI development with values like freedom, equality, and national security.
  • This shift aligns Google with competitors like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic, which have also engaged in defense and national security projects.
  • Critics, including former Google employees and human rights advocates, have expressed concern over the potential for AI misuse and the erosion of ethical commitments.