Google Removes Ban on AI Use for Weapons and Surveillance

The tech giant updates its AI principles, citing global competition and national security needs, sparking criticism over ethical implications.

Google has updated its AI principles, removing a prior commitment not to use AI for weapons and surveillance technologies.
The company now emphasizes 'responsible development and deployment' with human oversight and alignment with international law and human rights.
This shift follows Google's 2018 decision to establish ethical AI guidelines after employee protests against its involvement in military projects like Project Maven.
Executives justified the change by pointing to AI's evolution, geopolitical complexities, and the need for democracies to lead in AI development for national security.
Critics, including former employees and human rights advocates, warn the move could lead to the development of AI systems that facilitate harm or violate privacy.