Google is facing a backlash from employees over its growing involvement in military AI, with some Google DeepMind staff resigning over ethical concerns. The departures have raised questions about the risks of using AI in warfare and whether human oversight can keep pace as the technology becomes more deeply integrated into military operations.
The concerns come as Google and several other technology companies have signed agreements allowing their AI systems to be deployed across classified US military environments. AI researcher Andreas Kirsch also resigned over concerns about the company’s governance and oversight. He questioned whether Google could adequately monitor how the US military uses its technology, particularly in classified settings.
Sofia Liguori, a London-based research engineer, resigned from Google DeepMind after three years at the company, according to a BBC report . She said its growing involvement in military AI had made her question its commitment to ethical principles. “Realising my company is pushing more and more for AI systems in military operations makes me feel ashamed to work at Google,” Liguori told the BBC.
The US Department of Defense has made AI integration a priority. Sarah Shoker, formerly head of OpenAI’s Geopolitics team, warned that AI could shorten the time available for human operators to assess potential targets. When systems generate large numbers of recommendations quickly, she argued, checking each output for errors becomes increasingly difficult.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the country aims to become an “AI-first” fighting force, according to a BBC report on the Pentagon’s plans.
