"Google’s shameful decision to reverse its ban on AI for weapons and surveillance is a blow for human rights", February 6, 2025

Amnesty International criticizes Google's decision to reverse its ban on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies being used in weapons and surveillance, calling it a blow to human rights. Matt Mahmoudi, Researcher and Adviser on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, stated that Google had previously recognized the risks of AI technologies being used in ways that contribute to human rights violations. Amnesty highlighted the history of documenting AI's potential for societal control, mass surveillance, and discrimination. Mahmoudi emphasized that AI-powered technologies could lead to mass surveillance, lethal killing systems, and violations of privacy...

He further argued that Google’s decision could allow the company to develop and sell AI technologies that facilitate mass surveillance and drones for military strikes, including target generation software that speeds up decisions on lethal force. Amnesty International insists that Google urgently reverse its decision and re-commit to its original principles that prevented AI from being used for harmful purposes. Mahmoudi also emphasized the need for state actors to create binding regulations to govern the deployment of such technologies, grounded in human rights principles...

In response to the reversal, Google removed the pledge on its website that promised not to develop technologies that cause harm or violate international law and human rights. Google defended the move by asserting the need for businesses and governments to collaborate on AI supporting national security. Amnesty’s previous research has shown how AI technologies, like facial recognition systems, contribute to discriminatory policing and the infringement of fundamental rights...