Google Launches Global Initiative to Educate Workers on AI and Policy Impacts

Alphabet’s Google, already facing an unprecedented regulatory onslaught, is looking to shape public perception and policies on artificial intelligence ahead of a global wave of AI regulation. A key priority, one executive told Reuters, comes in building out educational programs to train the workforce on AI. “Getting more people and organizations, including governments, familiar with AI and using AI tools, makes for better AI policy and opens up new opportunities – it's a virtuous cycle,” said Kent Walker, Alphabet's president of global affairs. As Google races to best Big Tech rivals including Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Meta in the AI arena, it is mindful of the heavy regulatory scrutiny it faces in its existing businesses in advertising and search.

Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google, already facing an unprecedented regulatory onslaught, is looking to shape public perception and policies on artificial intelligence ahead of a global wave of AI regulation. A key priority, one executive told Reuters, comes in building out educational programs to train the workforce on AI. “Getting more people and organizations, including governments, familiar with AI and using AI tools, makes for better AI policy and opens up new opportunities – it's a virtuous cycle,” said Kent Walker, Alphabet's president of global affairs.

Google to invest $120 million in AI education programs. Alphabet´s Google, already facing an unprecedented regulatory onslaught, is looking to shape public perception and policies on artificial intelligence ahead of a global wave of AI regulation. A key priority, one executive told Reuters, comes in building out educational programs to train the workforce on AI. As Google races to best Big Tech rivals including Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Meta in the AI arena, it is mindful of the heavy regulatory scrutiny it faces in its existing businesses in advertising and search. In the European Union, Google has offered to sell a part of its ad tech business to appease regulators, Reuters reported. In the U.S., the Justice Department is attempting to force a breakup of its Chrome Web browser - though it may shift course under the administration of President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, governments globally are drafting new regulations on issues that could be exacerbated by AI, such as copyright and privacy.