Kent Walker defends Google Pentagon AI deal amid employee backlash

8 articles · Updated · The Information · Apr 29

Over 600 Google employees signed an open letter urging CEO Sundar Pichai to reject the deal, which permits Pentagon use of Google AI for any lawful government purpose.
Walker’s memo emphasized support for responsible AI use, rejecting applications like domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without human oversight, but did not directly confirm the new agreement.
This response contrasts with Google’s 2018 withdrawal from Project Maven after employee protests, drawing public commentary from officials who noted the company’s changed approach to defense contracts.

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