Google avoids PR damage
Google announced on Friday that it will not renew its contract with the Department of Defense, for which it analyzed drone footage.
The project, called Project Maven, was a public relations nightmare for Google. Many people criticized Google for the unethical use and support of artificial intelligence. Consequently, their contract will end in 2019 without renewal.
Plus, not only was the work controversial, but the way they portrayed its significance was too. After many Google employees petitioned the company to discontinue the project and some others resigned, Google executives reported that it was an insignificant project and wouldn’t amount to much.
However, leaked emails among executives show that Google hoped to bank off of these successes to attain more contracts with intelligence agencies. Thus, clearly executives supported the project, but because of the PR nightmare, they kept it largely under wraps.
Additionally, up until March, Google faced obstacles that would allow it to successfully complete the project. Without FedRAMP authorization, they would not be able to store data and footage about the drones on the Google Cloud. In March, however, they received this authorization and can more efficiently work on Project Maven.
In addition, Google has been working with the Pentagon to unravel a surveillance system of the US. At the end of the project, the Pentagon would be able to click on any building and see all of the details about it. Talk about Big Brother…
It seems as if Google has been successful thus far in both projects, which is both good and bad for the company. While the successes are positive for its reputation as a top tech firm, its successes are also negative for its reputation with the public. All eyes are on Google, and it will be interesting to see their next move.
Featured image via Pixabay/377053
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