Google vows not to use artificial intelligence software to be used in unreasonable surveillance efforts or in weapons. Post several reports of Google’s involvement in privacy infringement and safety issues, CEO Sundar Pichai released a set of guidelines to be followed by the search giant.
In them, Pichai promised Google would not work on weapons that “cause or directly facilitate injury,” though it reserves the right to work with the military on other A.I. initiatives. “While we are not developing A.I. for use in weapons, we will continue our work with governments and the military in many other areas,” Pichai wrote in a blog about the matter.
“These collaborations are important and we’ll actively look for more ways to augment the critical work of these organizations and keep service members and civilians safe.” He added that Google would not pursue A.I. “whose purpose contravenes widely accepted principles of international law and human rights,” and “will seek to avoid unjust impacts on people, particularly those related to sensitive characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, income, sexual orientation, ability, and political, or religious belief,” wrote Pichai.
The revolt against Google’s policy comes post the company’s involvement in a project called Project Maven – a Defense Department initiative wherein Google’s A.I. was used to help improve the accuracy of drone strikes. More than 4,000 employees signed a petition urging the company to sever the partnership, which Google this week said it would not renew.
“Over the last couple of months, I’ve been less and less impressed with the response and the way people’s concerns are being treated and listened to,” said one employee, who quit in protest. “Actions speak louder than words, and that’s a standard I hold myself to as well,” a disgruntled former employee said in a statement. “I wasn’t happy just voicing my concerns internally. The strongest possible statement I could take against this was to leave.”
The new guidelines received mixed responses from both current and former employees. From cybersecurity, training, military recruitment, veterans’ health care to search and rescue, Pichai’s new principles help in making sure no further infringements take place.
