Google employees resign over Pentagon contract

A number of Google employees have resigned in protest over a contract between the tech giant and the Pentagon. In March, it was revealed by foreign media that Google was working with the Defense Department to develop artificial intelligence for analyzing drone footage as part of an initiative known as Project Maven. Google’s involvement sparked ethical concern and anger among employees. An internal petition called on Google CEO Sundar Pichai to cancel Project Maven and “draft, publicize, and enforce a clear policy stating that neither Google nor its contractors will ever build warfare technology.” New York Times reported in April that over 3,000 Google employees signed the petition. Now, “about a dozen” Google employees are resigning due to Project Maven. Their reasons for leaving range from lack of transparency to ethical concerns.

“Over the last couple of months, I’ve been less and less impressed with the response and the way people’s concerns are being treated and listened to.” - An Employee