Google abandons pledge to not use AI for weapons, surveillance

lSTANBUL

Google has revised its artificial intelligence (AI) ethics guidelines, dropping commitments against using the technology for weapons or surveillance.

A previous version of Google's AI principles included a commitment not to pursue the technology for arms, surveillance, and technologies that "cause or are likely to cause overall harm" and not to use AI for cases violating international law and human rights principles.

The revised version of the policy, which was announced Tuesday, highlights that companies, governments and organizations should work together to ensure that AI protects people, serves global development and “supports national security.”

"There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape," it said in a statement, noting that there have been huge changes in technology since the previous version of its AI principles was published in 2018.

Stressing that AI has now become as widespread as the Internet, it underlined that the transformation, supported by many AI developers, has increased the benefits of technology for society.

The statement noted that the framework principles published by AI companies and academic institutions, as well as G7 countries, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and "individual democratic nations," provide guidance for the development and use of AI.

"We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights," it added.