Google Updates AI Principles, Shifting Focus to “Responsible” Development

On Tuesday, Google made significant updates to its artificial intelligence principles, removing prior commitments that stated the company would not use AI in ways “that cause or are likely to cause overall harm.” The revised guidelines also omit a section that had previously pledged not to design or deploy AI for surveillance, weapons, or technologies intended to harm individuals. This change was first reported by The Washington Post and archived by the Internet Archive.

In conjunction with these updates, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and Google’s senior executive for technology and society, James Manyika, outlined new “core tenets” for AI development in a blog post. The blog emphasizes principles such as innovation, collaboration, and the development of “responsible” AI, though it stops short of providing specific commitments.

“There’s a global competition taking place for AI leadership within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape,” the post states. “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.”

Hassabis, who joined Google after its acquisition of DeepMind in 2014, has previously voiced strong views on ethical AI. In a 2015 Wired interview, he mentioned that the DeepMind acquisition included specific terms to prevent the technology from being used in military or surveillance applications. However, recent changes to Google’s AI principles indicate a shift in priorities as the company continues to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.