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Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

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Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#161

Who could have seen this one coming. From yesterday: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/google-ai-pentagon-classified-u... ("Hundreds of Google workers urge CEO to refuse classified AI work with Pentagon"). Any AI researcher who continues to work here is morally compromised.

Thankfully Russia, China, etc have the same qualms as we do in the United States and will refused to send their brightest engineers to work on weapons so they don't become "morally compromised"!!!

We also used to point to Russia and China as places we don't want to copy.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#162

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, that's what classified means.

Surely I can complain about overclassification of things that should not be classified?

Absolutely. We will file your complaint in the appropriate location.

The location is classified.

Ok all jokes aside, if you suspect that there’s wrongdoing in the classified sphere, and it really matters to you, well, you should get involved in politics. We don’t just let everyone everywhere know everything, because we think it would be risky if Putin or the Chinese Communist Party also knew all those things. So we limit it to people who have taken oaths and are accountable and need to know (the military), the civilians who need to know (security clearance holders), and those who hold a high office with the public’s trust (high-ranking politicians). You can be a Senator. You just need a lot of people to trust you enough to vote for you. Or, and this is a bit easier, support politicians you do trust to vet classified things to be elected to high office, and ask them to look into it and give you their word that things are being done properly.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#163

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The classified aspect is probably the most concerning. How can I write my representative (and expect a form letter response six weeks later) if I don't know what I'm objecting to or even if I should be objecting?

Why would you write a letter if you don't know what you're objecting to or even if you should be objecting?

That's kind of my point? I'm concerned by what has been made available but can't form a complete opinion and decide if I need to take action without knowing the full extent of the agreement.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#164

Who could have seen this one coming. From yesterday: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/google-ai-pentagon-classified-u... ("Hundreds of Google workers urge CEO to refuse classified AI work with Pentagon"). Any AI researcher who continues to work here is morally compromised.

Why is it morally wrong for a US citizen to work with their government?

Because their current government is immoral.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#165
post #5

When my sister and I would play monopoly as kids, we had lost the manual so whenever we didn’t like the outcome of whatever happened, we would make up rules about what was right. Technically then, it was very easy stay compliant while still being able to do well because we could rewrite the rules. Also, since I was older I feel like I was able to get away with those redefinitions a lot more often…

I'd prefer our elected officials own the manual, accepting the fact that [person I don't like] could be in power and they can re-write the rules, then a private billion dollar corporation. Especially when it comes to defense.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#166
post #3

Who defines "lawful" if Google and the Pentagon disagree? > The classified deal apparently doesn’t allow Google to veto how the government will use its AI models. Seems concerning?

No it doesn't at all. Private corporations shouldn't be telling the government what it can and can't do. That's the job of the people. You want private corporation overriding your vote?

Of course it can. Terms of service and contractual obligation (should) apply to governments as well. Google is perfectly capable of outlining what's acceptable use and what's not, and the government is free to accept or reject and not use the product. Google is choosing not to set the boundaries.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#167
post #5

When my sister and I would play monopoly as kids, we had lost the manual so whenever we didn’t like the outcome of whatever happened, we would make up rules about what was right. Technically then, it was very easy stay compliant while still being able to do well because we could rewrite the rules. Also, since I was older I feel like I was able to get away with those redefinitions a lot more often…

The big reason it's "obvious" when tech megacorps do it is because big tech is new to the game and doesn't have an existing regulatory capture system already up and running and legitimized like medical, civil engineering, energy, agriculture, chemical, etc, do. If this were 3M making nasty stuff for Northrop to put in bombs and drop on brown people or Exxon scheming up something bad in Alaska or bulldozing a national…

> big tech is new to the game and doesn't have an existing regulatory capture system already up and running

The career officials in the Obama FTC started proceedings for an antitrust lawsuit against Google over a decade ago.

The political appointees (of both parties) shut it down.

It seems to me that regulatory capture has been working for Google for some time now.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#168
post #138

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why is it morally wrong for a US citizen to work with their government?

Because, we have pretty convincing historical precedent that 'just following orders' does not work as a defense when your government does something indefensible.

Worked just well for the paperclip guys.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#169

Who could have seen this one coming. From yesterday: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/google-ai-pentagon-classified-u... ("Hundreds of Google workers urge CEO to refuse classified AI work with Pentagon"). Any AI researcher who continues to work here is morally compromised.

Why is it morally wrong for a US citizen to work with their government?

Sorry to Godwin the thread but the Third Reich would like a word.

Re: Google and Pentagon reportedly agree on deal for 'any lawful' use of AI

#170

Who could have seen this one coming. From yesterday: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/google-ai-pentagon-classified-u... ("Hundreds of Google workers urge CEO to refuse classified AI work with Pentagon"). Any AI researcher who continues to work here is morally compromised.

Morality is relative and malleable. And usually people are quite good at claiming that whatever suits my agenda is moral.
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