Guns and Google AI: A Remarkable Turnaround

Google owner Alphabet has removed its commitment not to develop AI for warfare or surveillance. The company has updated its ethical guidelines, removing the reference to the prohibition of creating technologies that could cause significant harm.

The Reasons for the Change in AI and Weapons

Demis Hassabis, head of theGoogle AI, justified the decision by stating that AI should support national security. In a blog post, along with Vice President James Manyika, he emphasized that democracies should guide AI development according to the principles of freedom and human rights.

The company also highlighted how AI is now a ubiquitous technology, with widespread applications globally. However, the lifting of the ban has fueled debate about the risks of AI, with experts like Stuart Russell warning of the dangers of autonomous weapons.

Google and Wall Street

Meanwhile, Alphabet shares fell 81% on Wall Street after lower-than-expected financial results, with revenue of $96.5 billion. Growth in Google's cloud division slowed, lagging behind Amazon and Microsoft. The company announced a $75 billion investment to strengthen its AI infrastructure.

Source The Guardian