“OK Google, why are we helping build weapons?” Employees push back on new AI rules with memes, hard questions, and more

Google

Google recently updated its guidelines about using AI for weapons and surveillance. The new update is in contrast to what Google had promised earlier. The tech giant had promised that it will never use AI for military and surveillance purposes but now Google has changed its stance on the same. The employees are however not happy with the company’s decision to use AI for weapons and surveillance purposes. They have shared their thoughts on the company’s internal message board as memes making fun of the change.

As per a report by Business Insider, one of the memes show CEO Sundar Pichai searching for how to become a weapons contractor. Another meme spotted on the internal board said that Google was now becoming bad by lifting the ban on using AI for weapons and surveillance.

Employees also questioned why the company would drop its rule against using AI for weapons, considering Google is working with defense organizations like the Pentagon.

Despite receiving mixed reactions from employees, Google stood by their decision and defended the change. They said the world’s situation is more complicated now, and it is important for businesses and governments to work together on national security. They also said that AI should be developed based on values like freedom and respect for human rights.

This change is different from what happened in 2018. Back then, Google employees protested a project with the Pentagon that used Google’s AI for warfare. Google decided not to continue with that project. Now, it looks like Google is open to working more with defense and government groups.