Approximately 300 members of Google’s DeepMind team in London are seeking to unionize through the Communication Workers Union amid growing concerns about the company’s recent removal of a vow against using artificial intelligence for military and surveillance applications. The effort was first reported by the Financial Times, based on information from three people closely involved in the unionization plans.
Employees are reportedly distressed by Google’s rescinding of assurances previously posted on the DeepMind website pledging not to pursue or contribute to AI projects used for weapons systems or surveillance purposes. They have further expressed concern over Google’s involvement with the Israeli military, specifically referencing a controversial $1.2 billion cloud computing agreement. This contract has already triggered significant protests among other Google employees in recent months.
According to internal correspondence revealed by the FT, employees feel misled by the company’s shifting stance, and at least five team members have resigned directly due to these ethical concerns. DeepMind’s UK operations currently employ approximately 2,000 people.
In response to these developments, a Google spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to encouraging dialogue and discussion across all employee groups.
Previously, around 200 Google and Alphabet employees had formed a union, although their size and representation did not enable collective bargaining rights.
