Google Withdraws Commitment Against AI Weaponization

05.02.2025

 

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has quietly removed its previous commitment to never using artificial intelligence (AI) for weapon development or surveillance purposes. The company has revised its AI principles, omitting a key section that previously ruled out applications likely to cause harm.

In a blog post, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and senior vice president James Manyika justified the change, emphasizing the need for collaboration between businesses and democratic governments to develop AI that supports national security. They argued that as AI evolves into a general-purpose technology, guiding principles must also adapt to new geopolitical and technological realities.

The blog highlighted how AI has transformed from a niche research field into a technology deeply integrated into daily life, much like mobile phones and the internet. Given this shift, Google stated that updated AI principles should reflect broader global challenges while still aligning with democratic values such as freedom, equality, and human rights.

The announcement came just before Alphabet’s latest financial report, which fell short of market expectations despite a significant increase in revenue from digital advertising. The company also revealed plans to invest $75 billion in AI-related projects this year, surpassing Wall Street estimates.

Google’s stance on AI ethics has evolved significantly since its early motto, “Don’t be evil.” In 2018, employee protests led the company to drop a Pentagon contract linked to AI-based military applications. However, its latest move signals a shift toward a more flexible approach to AI’s role in defense and national security.

 

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