Google Pushes Global Agenda to Train Workers on AI

Tech giant looking to shape public perception ahead of wave of AI regulation

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SAN FRANCISCO - Alphabet's Google, already facing an unprecedented regulatory onslaught, is looking to shape public perception and policies on artificial intelligence (AI) ahead of a global wave of AI regulation.

A key priority, said one executive, comes in building out educational programmes to train the workforce on AI. "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 is a virtuous cycle," said Mr 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.

In the European Union, Google has offered to sell a part of its ad tech business to appease regulators, Reuters reported.

In the US, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is attempting to force a break-up of its Chrome web browser - though it may shift course under the administration of President Donald Trump.