[iNews24 reporter Jeong Yurim] The U.S. Department of Defense is reportedly pursuing a contract with Google to use the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) models for classified work.
On the 24th (local time), Reuters, Yonhap and others, citing IT outlet The Information, reported the Pentagon is discussing a deal that would allow Google’s AI to be used for all lawful purposes.
According to reports, Google proposed a clause during talks with the Defense Department that would prohibit using its AI for large-scale domestic surveillance or for autonomous lethal weapons that operate without human oversight or control.
Reuters said the Pentagon declined to confirm details of any talks with Google but indicated it intends to deploy cutting-edge AI across all classification levels through strong industry partnerships.
OpenAI has already signed a contract with the Pentagon to provide AI for military applications. If a deal with Google is finalized, the Defense Department would be able to use both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini in classified operations.
Observers say the potential contract marks a shift from Google’s earlier stance of distancing itself from military projects. In 2018, Google withdrew from Project Maven — an AI-based drone imagery analysis program — after employees objected to the company’s technology being used for military missions.
In a further change, Google removed a provision from its AI ethics guidelines in February of last year that had barred using its AI for weapons or surveillance, and the company has since been expanding its public-sector and government work.
