Google Pledges Not To Sell Its Facial Recognition Technology (For Now)

Companies like Google have developed a variety of hi-tech tools, and just like tool like a hammer or a knife, what it can be used for is up to the person using it, although admittedly sometimes certain tools do seem ripe for abuse. So much so that Google has announced that they will be holding off on selling their facial recognition technology.

In a post on its website where the company talked about how their use of AI and facial recognition tech has found plenty of use in the medical industry, they admit that it could be used for abusive and harmful outcomes, is why they have stated that they will not be making its tech available for sale.

According to Google, “However, like many technologies with multiple uses, facial recognition merits careful consideration to ensure its use is aligned with our principles and values, and avoids abuse and harmful outcomes. We continue to work with many organizations to identify and address these challenges, and unlike some other companies, Google Cloud has chosen not to offer general-purpose facial recognition APIs before working through important technology and policy questions.”

Google had previously come under fire when it was discovered that the company had taken on a military contract where its AI could be used to potentially identify targets for drones. Google has since promised not to use its AI for weapons for surveillance systems, and also stated that they would not be renewing their military AI contracts.

Tyler Lee
Categories: General
Tags: AI (Artificial Intelligence), Google, Privacy