Google is facing a backlash from some staff members over the company's deployment of its AI technology for military use. The BBC has spoken to several tech workers who have either recently resigned from Google's AI company, Google Deep Mind, or are in the process of leaving over concerns about the tech firm's military contracts.
Sofia Liguori, a London-based research engineer, resigned from Google Deep Mind this week and spoke about her concerns with the BBC, despite her contract restricting her from doing so. "Realising my company is pushing more and more for AI systems in military operations makes me feel ashamed to work at Google," Liguori said, speaking in a personal capacity. After three years at the company, she said she decided to resign over Google's increasing work with the US and Israeli militaries. "I don't agree with this direction and this has led me to lose faith in my company being true to its stated ethical values," she said.
A Google spokesperson said the company works with public sector organisations worldwide and follows a consistent process for reviewing contracts, including compliance with its acceptable use policies and AI principles. The spokesperson added that employees have dedicated channels to raise concerns and that strict policies prevent retaliation.
Andreas Kirsch, an AI researcher, also resigned from Google Deep Mind earlier this month. He told the BBC that Google's governance and oversight are not sufficient to deploy AI safely in military and classified settings. "Google seems to have no right to control or veto how the Pentagon uses its AI and also seems to have limited visibility into how it's being deployed," he added. Tech workers said they are particularly worried about the AI military deals signed this year, which greatly expand what the Pentagon can use the technology for.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing