Google drops pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance

Google has updated its ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence, removing commitments against using the technology for weapons and surveillance. The previous principles included prohibitions on applications causing harm and violations of international law.

Executives Demis Hassabis and James Manyika stated that as AI technology becomes more prevalent, companies in democratic nations should engage with government and national security sectors. They emphasized the need for AI development to align with values such as freedom and human rights.

Google's revised principles include provisions for human oversight and risk mitigation.