Google DeepMind workers are unionizing over AI military contracts
Workers at Google DeepMind's London headquarters have voted to unionize over concerns that the company's AI technology is being used in military applications by Israel and the US. The employees, citing ethical objections, demand that Google refrain from developing AI for weapons or surveillance and allow staff to opt out of projects conflicting with their morals. The unionization effort, supported by 98% of Communication Workers Union members at DeepMind, seeks formal recognition from management within 10 working days.
- ▪Staffers at Google DeepMind voted to unionize to prevent their AI technology from being used by the Israeli and US militaries.
- ▪Employees accused Google of aiding violations of international law, including Israel’s actions in Palestine, by providing AI tools.
- ▪The union bid demands Google commit to not developing harmful AI, allow worker input on AI affecting jobs, and let employees opt out of ethically objectionable projects.
- ▪DeepMind staff globally are considering research strikes and protests against military-industrial AI contracts.
- ▪Google, OpenAI, and Nvidia reportedly signed deals allowing the US Department of Defense to use their AI for any lawful government purpose.
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TechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechAICloseAIPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AINewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsGoogle DeepMind workers are unionizing over AI military contracts Staffers don’t want to be complicit in ‘helping make genocide cheaper, faster, and more efficient.’ Staffers don’t want to be complicit in ‘helping make genocide cheaper, faster, and more efficient.’by Jess WeatherbedCloseJess WeatherbedNews ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jess…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Verge.