Google’s Decision to Drop AI Weapons Pledge: A Divisive Move
Andrew Ng Supports Google’s Decision to Drop AI Weapons Pledge
Andrew Ng, the founder and former leader of Google Brain, has expressed his support for Google’s decision to drop its pledge not to build AI systems for weapons. In an interview with TechCrunch at the Military Veteran Startup Conference in San Francisco, Ng praised Google’s change of heart, stating, "I’m very glad that Google has changed its stance."
Background on Google’s AI Pledge
Google made its AI weapons pledge in 2018 following the Project Maven protests, in which thousands of employees protested the company’s contracts with the U.S. military. The protests were sparked by Google’s supply of AI for a military program that helped interpret video images and could be used to improve the accuracy of drone strikes.
Ng’s Views on Project Maven
Ng, who did not work at Google during the Project Maven protests, expressed his views on the issue, saying, "Frankly, when the Project Maven thing went down… A lot of you are going out, willing to shed blood for our country to protect us all. So how the heck can an American company refuse to help our own service people that are out there, fighting for us?"
Other Former Google Executives’ Views
Ng is not the only former Google executive to support the use of AI in the military. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt now lobbies for the purchase of AI drones to compete with China. However, not all former Google executives share this view. Meredith Whittaker, a former Google AI researcher, led the Maven protests and believes that Google "should not be in the business of war." Other Google executives, such as Jeff Dean, have also expressed opposition to the use of AI in autonomous weapons.
The Debate Within Google
The issue of AI in the military has been a contentious one within Google. While some executives, like Ng, support the use of AI in the military, others, like Whittaker, oppose it. This divide has led to internal conflicts and resignations.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to drop its AI weapons pledge has sparked debate and controversy. While some, like Andrew Ng, support the move, others, like Meredith Whittaker, remain opposed. As the use of AI in the military continues to grow, it is essential to consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of this technology.
FAQs
Q: What is Project Maven?
A: Project Maven was a military program that used AI to help interpret video images and improve the accuracy of drone strikes.
Q: Why did Google make its AI weapons pledge?
A: Google made its AI weapons pledge in 2018 following the Project Maven protests, in which thousands of employees protested the company’s contracts with the U.S. military.
Q: Who is Andrew Ng?
A: Andrew Ng is the founder and former leader of Google Brain. He is a prominent figure in the AI community and has spoken out frequently on AI policy.
Q: What is the current debate within Google?
A: The current debate within Google centers on the use of AI in the military. Some executives, like Andrew Ng, support the use of AI in the military, while others, like Meredith Whittaker, oppose it.
