Bold and responsible, together
We believe that such bold ambitions for the societal benefits of AI must always be accompanied by an equal commitment to responsibility. This is the basis of our bold and responsible approach to AI. Beyond our ongoing work to address the immediate and future risks of AI (detailed in our annual updates), the application of AI and science presents distinct challenges: On the one hand, we need the right detection, reporting, and mitigation tools in place to address risks around chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) mis-use. At the same time, it is important to avoid the risk of missed use — that is, not applying AI in places and communities where it would provide benefit and, in some cases, worsening existing societal challenges and gaps.
We believe advancing scientific discovery and bringing those benefits to communities requires that we collaborate deeply with many other researchers and scientists working to tackle similar issues, including academia, national laboratories, philanthropic foundations, non-governmental organizations, governments, other companies, and local partners. The examples of advances cited above have benefited from such research collaborations and our own Google.org grant-making to accelerate scientific discovery and to address society’s greatest challenges. That’s why as part of our longstanding commitment to supporting science and discovery in academia, Google has given more than $1 billion across 1,700+ research institutions worldwide since 2006.
As Nobel laureate Joel Mokyr noted, new technology drives scientific advances, which in turn drive new technologies, creating "a positive feedback loop that can keep growing with no end in sight.” And it does so in ways that have improved people’s wellbeing and propelled societal progress. AI is the most powerful engine for that loop we have ever built — and we’re just getting started.