Google’s Policy Proposal on AI: A Shift in AI Policymaking
Endorsing Weak Copyright Restrictions and Balanced Export Controls
Google has published a policy proposal in response to the Trump administration’s call for a national "AI Action Plan". The tech giant has endorsed weak copyright restrictions on AI training, as well as "balanced" export controls that "protect national security while enabling U.S. exports and global business operations".
Fair Use and Text-and-Data Mining Exceptions
Google argues that "fair use and text-and-data mining exceptions" are "critical" to AI development and AI-related scientific innovation. Like OpenAI, the company seeks to codify the right for it and rivals to train on publicly available data – including copyrighted data – largely without restriction.
Concerns over Export Controls
Google takes issue with certain export controls imposed under the Biden administration, which it says "may undermine economic competitiveness goals" by "imposing disproportionate burdens on U.S. cloud service providers".
Call for Federal Legislation on AI
Google urges the government to pass federal legislation on AI, including a comprehensive privacy and security framework. Just over two months into 2025, the number of pending AI bills in the U.S. has grown to 781, according to an online tracking tool.
Opposition to Onerous Obligations
Google cautions the U.S. government against imposing what it perceives to be onerous obligations around AI systems, like usage liability obligations. In many cases, Google argues, the developer of a model "has little to no visibility or control" over how a model is being used and thus shouldn’t bear responsibility for misuse.
Conclusion
Google’s policy proposal highlights the company’s stance on AI development and regulation. The company’s emphasis on fair use and text-and-data mining exceptions, as well as its opposition to onerous obligations, underscores its commitment to innovation and scientific leadership in the AI space.
FAQs
Q: What is Google’s stance on AI regulation?
A: Google supports a balanced approach to AI regulation, balancing national security concerns with the need for innovation and scientific leadership.
Q: What is Google’s position on fair use and text-and-data mining exceptions?
A: Google argues that these exceptions are "critical" to AI development and AI-related scientific innovation, and seeks to codify the right for it and rivals to train on publicly available data – including copyrighted data – largely without restriction.
Q: What is Google’s view on export controls?
A: Google takes issue with certain export controls imposed under the Biden administration, which it says "may undermine economic competitiveness goals" by "imposing disproportionate burdens on U.S. cloud service providers".
