Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., has removed a key rule from its AI ethics guidelines. The company no longer promises to avoid AI projects that could cause harm, including those related to weapons or surveillance.
Change in AI Ethics
Alphabet’s updated AI rules no longer clearly ban harmful AI uses. Google’s AI chief, Demis Hassabis, said the change reflects growing security concerns.
“We believe AI should protect people, help the world grow, and support national security,” Hassabis said. He and James Manyika, another top Alphabet executive, said democratic nations should lead AI development.
Google’s stance on AI ethics has shifted over time. The company’s early motto, “Don’t be evil,” was later removed from its code of ethics in 2015.
AI and National Security
The change highlights a bigger debate about AI’s role in military and security. Experts, including scientist Stuart Russell, warn about the dangers of autonomous weapons and call for global rules.
Google leaders said AI is now widely used in daily life, similar to mobile phones and the internet. They believe AI is a key technology that companies and governments must shape together.
Financial Pressures and AI Growth
Alphabet recently reported $96.5 billion in revenue, slightly below forecasts. A slowdown in Google Cloud’s growth has raised concerns, as the company competes with Amazon and Microsoft.
Despite this, Alphabet plans to invest $75 billion in AI infrastructure in 2025, as it faces strong competition from Microsoft-backed OpenAI, Amazon, and Meta.
Source: tribune
