Google Updates AI Principles, Removes Commitments on Harmful Use of Technology
Changes to AI Ethics Guidelines
Google has updated its artificial intelligence (AI) principles, removing commitments to not use the technology in ways that "cause or are likely to cause overall harm." The revised guidelines no longer include a section that committed Google to not designing or deploying AI for use in surveillance, weapons, and technology intended to injure people.
New "Core Tenets" for AI Development
Coinciding with these changes, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and Google’s senior executive for technology and society James Manyika published a blog post outlining new "core tenets" for AI development. These tenets focus on innovation, collaboration, and "responsible" AI development, with no specific commitments.
Call for Global Cooperation and AI Leadership
The blog post emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and leadership in AI development, stating, "There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights. And we believe that companies, governments, and organizations sharing these values should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security."
DeepMind’s Acquisition and Historical Commitments
Hassabis joined Google after its acquisition of DeepMind in 2014. In an interview with Wired in 2015, he stated that the acquisition included terms that prevented DeepMind technology from being used in military or surveillance applications.
Conclusion
The changes to Google’s AI principles and the introduction of new core tenets for AI development aim to refocus the company’s approach to AI development and deployment. While the removal of commitments to not use AI in harmful ways has raised concerns, the emphasis on global cooperation and leadership in AI development is a step towards a more responsible and ethical approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What changes were made to Google’s AI principles?
A: The company removed commitments to not use AI in ways that "cause or are likely to cause overall harm" and no longer includes a section that committed Google to not designing or deploying AI for use in surveillance, weapons, and technology intended to injure people.
Q: What are the new "core tenets" for AI development?
A: The new core tenets focus on innovation, collaboration, and "responsible" AI development, with no specific commitments.
Q: What is the significance of Google’s new approach to AI development?
A: The new approach emphasizes global cooperation and leadership in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights.
Q: What does the future hold for AI development at Google?
A: The company’s new approach aims to refocus its approach to AI development and deployment, prioritizing responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technology.
