Google Removes Ban on AI for Weapons and Surveillance in Ethics Policy Update

By Evans Momodu
2 minute digest

Google has quietly revised its AI ethics policy, eliminating its previous commitment not to develop AI for weapons and mass surveilance.

In earlier versions of its AI principles, Google explicitly stated it would not pursue AI applications related to weapons or surveillance beyond international norms.

However, this language has now been removed, signaling a potential shift in the company’s stance on AI’s role in military and security applications.

The change comes as AI competition heats up globally, with increasing pressure on tech giants to align with national security interests.

In a blog post, Google executives James Manyika and Demis Hassabis emphasized the importance of democracies leading in AI development, calling for collaboration between companies, governments, and organisations to ensure AI supports national securit

• In 2018, Google withdrew from a $10 billion Pentagon cloud contract, citing concerns that it did not align with its AI Principles.
• More than 4,000 employees signed a petition urging Google to avoid warfare-related AI projects, leading to resignations in protest.
• The company’s previous ethical stance was a key factor in its AI strategy—until now.

With legislation still lagging behind AI advancements, Google’s updated policy raises questions about its future collaboration with defense agencies and the potential militarisation of AI.

The move suggests that as AI becomes a tool of geopolitical power, companies may be re-evaluating their ethical boundaries.
Source: CNN