Google Drops AI Pledge against Harmful Applications, Raising Ethical Concerns

Alphabet’s Google has quietly eliminated a section from its publicly listed AI Principles that outlined applications the company would not pursue, including those “that cause or are likely to cause overall harm,” such as weapons, according to screenshots reviewed by Bloomberg. The removed passage was previously titled “applications we will not pursue.”

In a blog post on Tuesday, Google reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values in AI development. “We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights,” the company stated. It also called for collaboration between businesses, governments, and organizations to ensure AI is used for protection, economic growth, and national security.

The change has sparked concerns about the direction of Google’s AI efforts. Margaret Mitchell, a former AI researcher at the company, warned of potential consequences. “Having that removed is erasing the work that so many people in the ethical AI space and the activist space as well had done at Google, and more problematically it means Google will probably now work on deploying technology directly that can kill people,” she said.

Google has not yet responded to requests for comment on its specific plans.