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Google changes its AI policy
The company removes the commitment not to use AI for military and surveillance purposes, focusing on responsible development in line with human rights
Editorial Team5 February 2025

 


 Google has updated its ethics policy on AI, dropping its commitment not to use it in the areas of warfare and surveillance. The company says it continues to pursue AI development in accordance with human rights and international law, but without specific restrictions on these areas.

Key points:

  • Google has removed its commitment not to use AI for war or surveillance purposes.
  • The new policy focuses on responsible AI development in line with human rights and international law.
  • Google believes that democracies should drive innovation in AI, promoting freedom and equality.
  • The company calls on governments, organizations and companies to work together to develop AI that protects national security and promotes global growth.


Google recently updated its ethics policy related to AI, prompting several global reactions. One of the most significant changes involves the removal of the commitment it initially made in 2018 not to develop AI technologies for military use or surveillance purposes. This change, which has raised questions about possible future developments, indicates an evolution in the company’s strategic thinking regarding the use of emerging technologies in sensitive contexts.

Previously, Google’s policy explicitly excluded the use of AI in warfare, as autonomous weapons, or in surveillance, as tools to violate human rights or for purposes that contravene international standards. However, the update removed these references, maintaining a commitment to develop AI in a way that respects the principles of international law and human rights, while no longer specifying limitations on these controversial areas.

The change, announced by Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, and James Manyika, senior vice president of the company’s research labs, emphasized the importance of pursuing AI in a global context of shared values. In an official blog post, the two stated that Google will continue to develop AI in line with the principles of freedom, equality and respect for human rights, arguing that democracies should be at the forefront of the development of advanced technologies such as AI.

The policy change has been interpreted by some as an attempt to adapt to a rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscape, where the race to innovate cannot be separated from an increasingly direct and responsible engagement with areas such as defense and security. Indeed, Google has emphasized the need for cooperation among companies, governments, and organizations, all of which are committed to creating AI that not only fosters economic growth and national security, but also contributes to an overall improvement in living conditions.

Against this backdrop, the tech giant has not ruled out the possibility of AI being used responsibly for national security purposes, while hinting that the primary goal must be to promote global growth and protect people, while maintaining a balance with the need to respond to the security challenges facing modern democracies.

The policy review, therefore, reflects a vision of openness to new technological possibilities, but also a willingness to engage in dialogue with international actors to ensure that the development of AI never undermines the core values on which democratic societies are based.