Alphabet’s Google, already grappling with extensive regulatory challenges, is focusing on influencing public perception and shaping policies regarding artificial intelligence (AI) ahead of an impending global regulatory wave.
Kent Walker, Alphabet’s president of global affairs, told Reuters that a primary focus is to build educational programs aimed at training the workforce on AI. He explained, “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.”
While racing to outperform competitors like Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Meta in the AI field, Google is also mindful of the regulatory scrutiny it faces in areas such as advertising and search. In the EU, Google has proposed selling part of its ad tech business to calm regulators. In the US, the Justice Department is exploring a potential breakup of Google’s Chrome web browser but may reconsider under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Globally, governments are drafting new regulations on issues potentially worsened by AI, including copyright and privacy concerns. The EU’s AI Act, which evaluates risk and demands disclosures from AI systems, has faced resistance from tech giants, including Google, who could face hefty fines.
The Department of Justice has also aimed to curb Google’s AI ambitions in a federal case accusing its search business of being a monopoly. However, Google executives see an opportunity to shift the narrative about AI, especially amidst growing fears of massive job losses due to the technology.
CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $120 million fund in September for AI education initiatives. Executives like Walker and Ruth Porat, Google’s president and chief investment officer, are traveling worldwide to discuss policy proposals with governments. Walker emphasized, “There’s a lot of upside in terms of helping people who may be displaced by this. We do want to focus on that.”
Google’s efforts include expanding the “Grow with Google” initiative, an online and in-person program that equips businesses with training tools and helps workers acquire skills like data analysis and IT support. In December, the company reported that 1 million people had earned a certificate through the program, and it’s now adding specialized AI courses, such as one designed for educators.
Walker acknowledged that simply offering courses wouldn’t be sufficient to prepare workers, emphasizing the importance of tangible goals, such as certifications, to help workers apply for jobs.
Google is also exploring public-private partnerships, with one prominent example being the “Skilled Trades and Readiness” program, in which the company collaborates with community colleges to train workers for data center jobs. Walker said AI education is now part of that program.
Long-term, Walker expects only a small fraction of jobs to be fully replaced by AI, based on studies from Google, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs, which suggest AI will be integrated into most roles.
In preparation for these changes, Google has hired economist David Autor as a visiting fellow to research AI’s impact on the workforce. Autor noted that AI could be used to create more immersive training experiences, similar to flight simulators. He added that traditional classroom training may not be the most effective solution for adult retraining, as many adults are reluctant to return to a classroom setting.
