Google is reportedly intensifying efforts to shape public perception and policy around artificial intelligence (AI) as governments worldwide prepare to regulate the technology. Facing regulatory scrutiny on its advertising and search businesses, the technology company aims to position itself as a leader in AI development and workforce education. "A key priority comes in building out educational programs to train the workforce on AI," Reuters reported, citing an executive.
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Google's AI Advocacy: A Global Initiative
"Getting more people and organisations, 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, according to the report.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
Google's push comes as the European Union, the US Justice Department, and other regulators target Big Tech's dominance. The EU's AI Act, for instance, proposes stringent rules for AI systems, including risk assessments and disclosures, with significant penalties for violations. Meanwhile, the US DOJ seeks to limit Google's advances in AI as part of a broader antitrust case. TelecomTalk previously reported.
"Google executives see an opportunity to shape the narrative around a technology that has stoked emerging fears of mass job loss," the report noted. CEO Sundar Pichai announced a USD 120 million investment fund to expand AI-focused educational initiatives, including the Grow with Google program, which has already awarded certificates to over 1 million participants. The program now includes AI-specific courses, such as training teachers to integrate AI tools in education.
"Deputies including Walker and Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer, are increasingly travelling globally to discuss policy recommendations with governments," the report said.
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AI Education as a Key Priority
"There's a lot of upside in terms of helping people who may be displaced by this. We do want to focus on that," Walker reportedly said. Efforts include expanding Grow with Google, a hybrid program offering both online and in-person training. This initiative equips businesses with essential tools and teaches workers valuable skills, such as data analysis and IT support, to help broaden their career opportunities in technical fields.
However, Courses alone are not enough to prepare workers, Walker reportedly added. "What really matters is if you have some sort of objective that people are working towards, like a credential that people can use to apply for a job."
Google seeks to increase experimentation on public-private partnerships, Walker said, according to the report. One notable example so far, he said, is the "Skilled Trades and Readiness" program, in which the company has partnered with community colleges to train workers for potential jobs constructing data centers. Google is incorporating AI education into the program, he reportedly added.
"Ultimately, the federal government will look and see which proofs of concept are playing out - which of the green shoots are taking root," Walker was quoted as saying. "If we can help fertilise that effort, that's our role."
In the long term, Walker said he anticipates that a small fraction of existing jobs to be entirely displaced by AI, citing several studies commissioned by Google, Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. Those studies suggest AI will be incorporated into most jobs in some capacity.
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Addressing Job Displacement Fears
To address concerns over AI-driven job displacement, Google hired economist David Autor to explore practical retraining solutions. Autor advocates for immersive training methods, likening AI-driven tools to flight simulators for skill development, according to the report.
"The history of adult retraining is not particularly glorious," he reportedly said. "Adults don't want to go back to class. Classroom training is not going to be the solution to a lot of retraining."
By investing in education, public-private partnerships, and policy advocacy, Google aims to influence the global AI narrative and ensure workforce readiness for the AI-powered future.
