On Feb. 12, Google executives announced changes to diversity initiatives and AI policies. The company is ending diversity training programs and removing its previous commitment against developing AI for military use.

Melonie Parker, VP of Googler Engagement, cited federal directives as the reason for the DEI changes.

The updated AI principles no longer prohibit using AI for weapons or surveillance.

Google also removed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments from US Securities and Exchange Commission (ESC) filings and adjusted hiring goals for underrepresented groups.

Employees raised concerns about potential misuse of AI, especially given Google’s past contracts.

The company withdrew from Project Maven in 2018 due to protests but later secured a US$9 billion Pentagon contract in 2022 and provided AI services to Israel’s military.

Google spokesperson Anna Kowalczyk said that these collaborations do not involve sensitive military applications.

Employee groups, including No Tech for Apartheid, criticized the policy rollbacks, linking them to Google’s increasing focus on government contracts.

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