DeepMind UK Staff Seek Unionization Over AI Ethics

DeepMind UK Staff Seek Unionization Over AI Ethics Concerns

Approximately 300 London-based employees of Google's DeepMind AI division are reportedly seeking to unionize with the Communication Workers Union (CWU). This move stems from growing concerns over Google's removal of its pledge against using AI for weapons or surveillance.

The Financial Times reported this development, citing sources involved in the unionization effort. Employee unease also centers around Google's $1.2 billion cloud computing contract with the Israeli military, known as Project Nimbus. This contract has sparked protests within Google, further fueling the DeepMind employees' decision to unionize.

Employees Feel "Duped" by Google's Actions

Reports indicate that some DeepMind employees feel "duped" by Google's actions, with at least five staff members resigning over these ethical concerns. This represents a significant portion of the approximately 2,000 DeepMind employees in the UK.

A Google spokesperson told the Financial Times that the company encourages "constructive and open dialogue with all of our employees." However, this statement has seemingly failed to address the core concerns driving the unionization effort.

This isn't the first instance of unionization attempts within Google. In 2021, a smaller group of around 200 Google and Alphabet employees formed a union. However, due to its limited size, this group lacked the power to collectively bargain.

The current DeepMind unionization push signifies a growing trend of tech workers advocating for ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. The outcome of this effort could significantly impact the future of AI ethics within Google and the broader tech industry.