Author: Kenrick Cai
Location: SAN FRANCISCO – Google, the tech giant under Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:), is gearing up to influence public opinion and regulations concerning artificial intelligence (AI) as the world braces for more rules on AI.
One of the company’s main objectives, according to an executive who spoke to Reuters, is the development of educational initiatives aimed at training the workforce on AI.
“Promoting more familiarity and usage of AI tools amongst people, organizations, and even governments will facilitate better AI policies and unlock new possibilities, creating a beneficial cycle,” stated Kent Walker, the President of global affairs at Alphabet.
Google is in a tight race with its Big Tech competitors including Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Meta (NASDAQ:) in the AI field. The company is acutely aware of the intense regulatory scrutiny it is currently facing in its advertising and search businesses.
In an attempt to placate regulators in the European Union, Google has proposed selling a portion of its ad tech operations, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Justice Department is making efforts to break up Google’s Chrome Web browser, although this approach might change under President Donald Trump’s administration.
As AI continues to evolve, governments worldwide are developing new regulations on issues such as copyright and privacy that could be amplified by AI. Tech giants are pushing back against the EU AI Act, which aims to evaluate risks and mandate disclosures from general-purpose AI systems, as it could potentially result in hefty fines.
In a federal case where Google’s search business was deemed an illegal monopoly, the DOJ has also tried to limit Google’s AI advancements as a solution.
Google’s executives see this as an opportunity to control the narrative around a technology that has sparked fears of widespread job losses.
In September, CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $120 million investment fund for AI education initiatives. High-ranking officials like Walker and Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer, are increasingly engaging with governments globally to discuss policy recommendations.
Efforts to help those potentially displaced by this technology are a priority, stated Walker. The company is expanding the Grow with Google website, which offers courses designed to enhance workers’ technical skills and career prospects. Over a million people have earned a certificate from the program so far, and the company plans to add AI-related specialized courses.
Walker emphasized that courses alone can’t adequately prepare workers. “What’s truly important is having a clear objective, like a credential that can be used when applying for a job,” he said.
Google is keen on exploring more public-private partnerships, Walker added. A prime example is the “Skilled Trades and Readiness” program, where Google has collaborated with community colleges to train individuals for potential jobs in data center construction. AI education is being included in this program.
“In the end, the federal government will evaluate which concepts have been successful,” said Walker. “If we can support this process, that’s our role.”
In the long run, Walker expects AI to completely displace only a small percentage of existing jobs, based on studies commissioned by Google, Goldman Sachs, and McKinsey. These studies suggest that AI will be integrated into most jobs to some extent.
Google hired economist David Autor as a visiting fellow to investigate the effects of AI on the workforce as part of its preparation for this shift. Autor mentioned in an interview that AI could be utilized to develop more engaging training programs, similar to flight simulators.
“Adult retraining has a lackluster history,” Autor admitted. “Adults aren’t keen on returning to class. Traditional classroom training won’t be the solution to most retraining needs.”
