Alphabet, the parent company of technology giant Google, has changed its stance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for purposes like developing weapons and surveillance tools.
The firm has updated its principles regarding AI, removing a section that previously prohibited uses likely to cause harm.
In a blog post, Google senior vice president James Manyika and Demis Hassabis from Google DeepMind defended this decision, emphasizing the need for collaboration between businesses and democratic governments in AI projects that support national security.
There is ongoing debate among AI experts about how to govern this powerful technology, the role of commercial interests in shaping its direction, and how to mitigate risks for humanity.
The use of AI in warfare and surveillance technologies has sparked controversy.
The company’s original AI principles from 2018 were deemed outdated due to the technological advancements in AI.
The blog post highlighted the widespread use of AI in everyday life, transforming it from a niche research topic to a ubiquitous technology like mobile phones and the internet.
Baseline AI principles are being developed to guide common strategies in AI development.
Despite the evolving landscape, the blog post emphasized the importance of democracies leading in AI development guided by core values of freedom, equality, and human rights.
The post was published ahead of Alphabet’s financial report, showing weaker-than-expected results that impacted its share price.
Google plans to invest $75 billion in AI projects this year, focusing on infrastructure, research, and AI-powered applications.