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A dozen Google employees quit over military drone project

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Re: A dozen Google employees quit over military drone project

#4

http://neveragain.tech/ a bunch of names on here. Have any of them taken a stand?

Looks like they are taking a stand by signing that pledge.

There is one section on resigning:

> If we discover misuse of data that we consider illegal or unethical in our organizations:

> ...

> If we do not have such authority, and our organizations force us to engage in such misuse, we will resign from our positions rather than comply.

From what I have seen, Google's help with the Pentagon seems limited to software consulting. If Google had shared any data with the Pentagon for military purposes then it would have crossed a line for the pledge.

The pledge says to try to fix it through: working with colleagues/leaders; then whistleblowing; then legal defenses if they have the authority; then resignation.

Re: A dozen Google employees quit over military drone project

#5
Good on these employees. Now go work somewhere or start something that gives you ownership and control of what you work on.

This is likely a result of massive corporate/government entanglement. Google can't say no. Their stock could crash, their negotiating ability could go down significantly, all the work they've done on lobbying could be in danger. Who knows what other back room deals are happening.

Re: A dozen Google employees quit over military drone project

#6
I'm staunchly opposed to war, but understand it's unfortunate necessity under certain extreme circumstances.

If these types of projects make war machines more precise overall, they may actually decrease overall collateral damage and reduce the total time war is waged which could cause less lives to be lost during war.

Until us humans can collectively overcome the various problems that cause war, might be worth it for the best minds to help make war machines as precise as possible.

Re: A dozen Google employees quit over military drone project

#7
Kudos to those who is ready to stand for their principles. If you are at G and thinking whether you should resign or not, remembers this - the market for AI talent is super hot. You will immediately find lots of great and challenging AI work pushing humanity forward

Re: A dozen Google employees quit over military drone project

#9
post #7

Kudos to those who is ready to stand for their principles. If you are at G and thinking whether you should resign or not, remembers this - the market for AI talent is super hot. You will immediately find lots of great and challenging AI work pushing humanity forward

Google does not hire AI people exclusively.
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