Google is in the midst of major changes to some of the policies that have governed its actions for years. Recently, the company proc eeded to eliminate its DEI programs and hiring goals for people from “underrepresented backgrounds.” It also changed its policies regarding the use of AI for weapons development and surveillance. Now, Google defends the change of course regarding its AI pledges and DEI goals.
Google executives held a meeting with the entire company staff this week. The meeting sought to shed more light on the motivations behind the company’s recent changes in direction.
Google confirms the reason for the removal of DEI programs
Regarding the DEI programs, Melonie Parker, Google’s former head of diversity, was in charge of revealing more details. She confirmed that the company is eliminating the diversity and inclusion employee training programs. Parker also said that programs with “DEI content” are receiving updates. With diversity programs no longer in place, she takes on a new role as vice president of Googler Engagement.
According to Parker, the changes related to DEI programs are necessary to adapt to new legislation in force. Donald Trump signed an executive order ordering all companies to eliminate DEI programs. The new administration believes that such programs actually exclude a group of people, since they may be prioritizing the hiring of employees with a certain social background. “What’s not changing is we’ve always hired the best person for the job,” she added.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai also offered some words in this regard. “Our values are enduring, but we have to comply with legal directions depending on how they evolve,” he stated.
The Mountain View giant is not the only one making important changes related to DEI programs. Other big companies such as Meta and Amazon have followed the same path. Both Meta and Google had disagreements with Donald Trump during his presidential campaign. So, it’s probably in their best interest to try and win their favor.
Google defends changes to its AI pledges to not use AI for weapons development and surveillance
The meeting also touched on the topic of using artificial intelligence technology for weapons development and surveillance. Company executives had already “justified” themselves in a blog post a few days ago. At the time, they said it was a move in favor of national security. The blog post said that companies and governments should have the right to defend themselves against potential attacks where AI could be useful.
Now, Kent Walker, Google’s chief legal officer, says more on the subject. Like the executives’ blog post, Walker recalled that things have changed a lot since 2018. The mention of 2018 is because the previous policies where Google pledged not to contribute its technology for harmful purposes were set in that year. These promises were the result of protests by employees that even led Google to withdraw from the US Defense Department’s Project Maven.
Walker said it would be “good for society” if the company were part of “some important conversations.” “We are increasingly being asked to have a seat at the table in some important conversations, and I think it’s good for society that Google has a role in those conversations in areas where we do specialize—cybersecurity, or some of the work around biology, and many more,” Walker stated.
“While it may be that some of the strict prohibitions that were in [the first version] of the AI principles don’t jive well with those more nuanced conversations we’re having now, it remains the case that our north star through all of this is that the benefits substantially outweigh the risks.“
