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February 6, 2025

Anna Murray 

Alphabet removed a limitation on using artificial intelligence (AI) to build weapons and surveillance tools. Alphabet, Google's parent company, has abandoned a longstanding principle. Alphabet has revised its AI standards. Removing a provision that previously prohibited AI uses that were likely to cause harm.

On February 4, James Manyika, senior vice president of Research, Labs, Technology, and Society, and Demis Hassabis, head of Google DeepMind, published a blog post. The blog stated that companies, governments, and organizations that share these values should collaborate to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security. Google's updated policy said that the company pursues AI responsibly and by widely accepted international law and human rights norms.

There is also debate concerning the use of AI on the battlefield and in surveillance technology. The greatest concern is the possibility for AI-powered weapons to take lethal action autonomously. Campaigners contend that regulations are urgently required.