Google is among the top names in the artificial intelligence industry. The company has developed a plethora of AI-powered products and services for both regular users and businesses—and even governments. In a new development, Google has made a major change to its principles regarding the use of AI for weapons development and surveillance.
Google now appears willing to use AI for weapons and surveillance, change in principles suggest
The company has revised its AI policies and shared the update in a blog post. The “Updating AI Principles” section has removed the part where Google ruled out the use of AI for things that are “likely to cause harm.” The phrase mainly encompasses weapons manufacturing and surveillance. Therefore, it seems that Google is now willing to work with organizations that pursue these ends.
That said, two company executives explained the reason behind the change. Google senior vice president James Manyika and CEO of Google’s DeepMind AI felt the clarification was necessary after being guided by the previous AI usage policy for many years. The last time Google changed its working principles was in 2018.
National security, the main driven
The main driver of the company’s new AI policies has to do with the current changing situation in the field of AI that impacts national security. The Mountain View giant now believes that companies and democratic governments need ways to defend themselves against potential threats of this kind. However, the blog post also says that Google continues to invest many resources in AI-based developments that help people.
“There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. 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,” reads the blog post.
The company also said that artificial intelligence has now “become as pervasive as mobile phones and the internet itself.” So, they can’t keep treating it like it was when it was an inaccessible niche for many. Now, millions of people have access to powerful AI tools and assistants—like Gemini—on their phones.
There could be an additional reason behind the decision
That said, there may be an additional reason behind the shift. Recently, Alphabet—of which Google is a part—revealed its Q4 2024 financial results. Unfortunately for the company, the numbers didn’t beat expectations. Plus, the firm forecast AI spending of $75 billion by 2025, 29% more than analysts had projected. Both factors caused Alphabet’s stock to fall.
Now, with the new AI principles, Google could land some lucrative government contracts related to national security. This may help the company to balance the books and increase profits.
