Google Updates AI Principles, Removes Vows Not to Use Technology for Weapons or Surveillance
New AI Principles
Google has updated its principles regarding artificial intelligence, removing vows not to use the technology for weapons or surveillance. The revised AI principles were posted just weeks after Google chief executive Sundar Pichai and other tech titans attended the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.
No Mention of Previous Promises
When asked by AFP about the change, a Google spokesperson referred to a blog post outlining the company’s AI principles that made no mention of the promises, which Pichai first outlined in 2018. The updated AI principles blog post by Google DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis and research labs senior vice president James Manyika reads:
"We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights. And we believe that companies, governments, and organizations sharing these values should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security."
Previous Commitments
Pichai had previously stated that the company would not design or deploy the technology for weapons designed to hurt people or "that gather or use information for surveillance violating internationally accepted norms." That wording was gone from the updated AI principles shared by Google on Tuesday.
Trump’s Executive Order
Upon taking office, Trump quickly rescinded an executive order by his predecessor, former president Joe Biden, mandating safety practices for AI. Companies in the race to lead the burgeoning AI field in the United States now have fewer obligations to adhere to, such as being required to share test results signaling the technology has serious risks to the nation, its economy, or its citizens.
Annual Report
Google noted in its blog post that it publishes an annual report about its AI work and progress. Hassabis and Manyika stated in their post:
"There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Billions of people are using AI in their everyday lives."
Original AI Principles
Google’s original AI principles were published after employee backlash to its involvement in a Pentagon research project looking into using AI to improve the ability of weapons systems to identify targets. Google ended its involvement in the project.
Conclusion
The removal of Google’s vows not to use AI for weapons or surveillance raises concerns about the company’s commitment to ethical AI development. As the global competition for AI leadership continues, it is essential for companies and governments to prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI practices.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Google’s updated AI principles?
A: The updated AI principles aim to guide Google’s development and deployment of artificial intelligence technology.
Q: What was removed from the updated AI principles?
A: The wording regarding Google’s commitment not to design or deploy AI for weapons or surveillance was removed.
Q: What is the significance of Trump’s executive order on AI?
A: The executive order mandating safety practices for AI was rescinded by Trump, giving companies fewer obligations to adhere to.
Q: What is Google’s stance on AI development?
A: Google believes that democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights.