Changes policy and makes a major investment

Google may create AI for weapons

Google opens up to using AI for weapons and surveillance technology, while making a major investment in AI development.

Ove Kaufeldt

Published 6 February 2025 - 09:23

According to the publication Washington Post, Google has recently updated its artificial intelligence policy. Since 2018, the company's policy has explicitly stated that Google would not develop or deploy AI for use in weapons or surveillance technology. This specific wording has now been removed.

Instead, Google has introduced a new policy where they emphasize that they will "implement appropriate human oversight, due diligence, and feedback mechanisms to align with user goals, social responsibility, and generally accepted principles of international law and human rights."

Meanwhile, Google's parent company Alphabet plans to invest 75 billion dollars, equivalent to over 800 billion kronor, in AI during 2025. The investment is expected to be primarily used to expand the infrastructure for artificial intelligence.

This is not the first time that Google's involvement in military or surveillance projects has attracted attention. In 2018, the company faced internal criticism after it was revealed that they were collaborating with the Pentagon on a project called Project Maven, which used AI to analyze drone images. After protests from thousands of employees, Google then decided not to renew the contract and implemented a policy against developing AI for weapon purposes.

The latest policy change has therefore raised questions about whether Google is now opening up to participate in projects of that type again. The company has not yet commented on the details of the change, but the emphasis on human oversight and compliance with international law may indicate a more nuanced approach to how their technology is used.