Google staff resign over military AI contracts
Two senior researchers at Google DeepMind have resigned. They cite insufficient oversight of military AI use.
Sofia Liguori, a London researcher, resigned from Google DeepMind this week over military contracts. Liguori told the BBC: "My company is pushing more AI systems in military operations.
I feel ashamed to work at Google." AI researcher Andreas Kirsch resigned from Google DeepMind earlier this month over his concerns.
Liguori and Kirsch worry that Google has signed contracts with the US military. These let the military use Google's AI for classified operations.
There is limited view of how the AI will be used. The Pentagon can now use Google's AI for "any lawful government purpose".
However, the contract blocks autonomous weapons without human oversight. Experts worry that AI speeds up decision-making.
This makes human review of military targets nearly impossible.
- Sofia Liguori, London-based
- Researcher
- Google DeepMind
- Company
- Liguori worked at Google for three years
- Tenure
Why it mattersWhen AI researchers refuse to work on military projects, it signals something important. There are real gaps in oversight and safety protections.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but if major tech companies lack confidence in military AI safeguards it raises questions about AI regulation globally.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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