A primary focus, as noted by an executive in a conversation with Reuters, is the development of educational initiatives aimed at equipping the workforce with AI knowledge.
“Familiarizing more individuals and organizations, including governmental bodies, with AI and its tools fosters improved AI policy and creates new opportunities – it’s a beneficial cycle,” stated Kent Walker, Alphabet's president of global affairs.
As Google strives to outpace competitors like Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Meta in the AI sector, it remains acutely aware of the significant regulatory oversight affecting its advertising and search operations.
In the European Union, Google has proposed divesting a portion of its ad tech business to satisfy regulatory demands, according to Reuters. In the United States, the Justice Department is pursuing a breakup of its Chrome Web browser, although this strategy may change under President Donald Trump's administration.
Simultaneously, governments worldwide are formulating new regulations addressing challenges potentially intensified by AI, such as copyright and privacy concerns. The EU AI Act, which aims to evaluate risks and mandate disclosures from general-purpose AI systems, has faced resistance from major tech companies that could be subject to substantial fines.
The DOJ is also seeking to limit Google's AI advancements as part of a federal case that deemed its search operations an illegal monopoly.
Google's leadership perceives a chance to influence the discourse surrounding a technology that has raised concerns about widespread job displacement. In September, CEO Sundar Pichai unveiled a $120 million investment fund dedicated to developing AI education programs. Key executives, including Walker and Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer, are increasingly engaging with governments worldwide to discuss policy recommendations.
“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 said.
Efforts are underway to enhance the Grow with Google initiative, a platform designed to equip individuals with skills such as data analysis and IT support, aimed at improving their career opportunities in technical sectors. In December, the company announced that 1 million individuals had earned a certificate through this program. Additionally, specialized courses focused on artificial intelligence are being introduced, including one tailored for educators, as noted by program leader Lisa Gevelber.
However, Walker emphasized that courses alone do not sufficiently prepare workers. “What truly matters is having a tangible goal, such as a credential that individuals can leverage when applying for jobs,” he stated.
Google aims to foster more public-private partnerships, with the “Skilled Trades and Readiness” program serving as a prime example. This initiative involves collaboration with community colleges to train individuals for potential employment in data center construction, with AI education being integrated into the curriculum.
“Ultimately, the federal government will look and see which proofs of concept are playing out – which of the green shoots are taking root,” Walker said. “If we can help fertilize that effort, that’s our role.”
Looking ahead, Walker anticipates that a small percentage of current jobs may be fully replaced by AI, referencing various studies conducted by Google, Goldman Sachs, and McKinsey. These studies indicate that AI will likely be integrated into most roles to some extent.
To address this transition, Google has appointed economist David Autor as a visiting fellow to examine the effects of AI on the workforce. In a recent interview, Autor suggested that AI could facilitate the development of more engaging training programs, similar to flight simulators.
“The history of adult retraining is not particularly glorious,” he said. “Adults don’t want to go back to class. Classroom training is not going to be the solution to a lot of retraining.”