DeepMind, Google’s AI R&D division, has over 200 workers who are unhappy with Google’s reported defense contracts. Time reported that in May, they wrote a letter expressing their concerns internally. The letter, dated May 16, mentioned that the workers are worried about Google’s contracts with military organizations, specifically mentioning the tech giant’s deals to provide AI and cloud computing services to the Israeli military. The letter also stated that any involvement in military and weapon manufacturing goes against their mission statement and AI Principles, affecting their reputation as leaders in ethical and responsible AI. While they make up a small part of the organization’s staff, the letter suggests a clash of cultures between Google and DeepMind. Google acquired DeepMind in 2014 and had promised in 2018 not to use their technology for military or surveillance purposes.
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