Google can no longer avoid using artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of weapons and surveillance.

5 February 2025 2 minutes Author: Newsman

This decision could significantly change the balance of power in the field of national security and affect the geopolitical situation. Google previously had a policy that prohibited the use of AI to create weapons and surveillance systems. However, the new rules allow the company to interact with government agencies and use AI for military purposes.

The main arguments for this decision are the global competition for leadership in the field of artificial intelligence and the need to support democracy. According to the updated principles, Google will use human monitoring and feedback to ensure that its technologies comply with international law and human rights. The company also stated its intention to test its technologies to prevent unintended or harmful consequences.

Why did Google abandon its previous position?

In 2018, Google published a list of areas where the company would not use AI, including the development of weapons, surveillance technologies and other potentially harmful programs. However, technologies are developing, and competition between the United States and China in the field of artificial intelligence is intensifying. Other big companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon, have been working with the Department of Defense for some time; OpenAI has signed a contract with defense firm Anduril, and Anthropic is working with Palantir. Google was one of the few tech giants to distance itself from military projects, but that is changing. Expert and public reaction

The policy shift has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts see it as a logical step that responds to modern national security challenges. At the same time, former Google employees recall employee protests against the company’s 2018 contract with the Department of Defense to analyze drone footage. Google then did not renew the contract due to pressure from employees. Critics also point to Google’s growing attention to US geopolitical interests, as well as to ethical principles. For example, the company participated in fundraising for Donald Trump’s inauguration, and its executives have been invited to high-level administrative events.

Google’s move to lift previous restrictions on the use of AI for military and surveillance purposes is a significant shift in the technology industry. The move could strengthen the United States’ position in the global race for AI supremacy. But it also raises questions about whether Google could become another tech giant that has lost its balance between commercial success and ethical obligations.

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