Google finally admits it pursues advanced AI weapons programs

Google is among the largest companies in the world. Its influence on the global high-tech industry cannot be overstated, making it a very potent leverage for the United States. Officially, the company is “pacifist” and insists on “a peaceful use of high-tech”. That is, it was until a few days ago. Namely, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has dropped all this superficial “pacifism”, including a public promise it would “never pursue” advanced artificial intelligence research for military purposes such as developing weapons and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) assets.

In a blog post published on February 4, Google updated its public “ethical guidelines” regarding AI, removing any references to the use of such advanced technologies solely for peaceful purposes. For years, the controversial company was adamant that it would “never pursue high-tech that could cause or are likely to cause overall harm”.

One of the authors, Demis Hassabis, stated that these guidelines were being “overhauled in a changing world” and that “AI should protect national security”. Hassabis is the CEO and co-founder of Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs, both of which are incorporated into the Alphabet and deal with advanced AI research. He is also an official AI advisor for the government of the UK.

Read Full Article Here