News
From Ethics to Arms: Google Lifts Its AI Ban on Weapons and Surveillance
Google has updated its AI principles, removing bans on weapons and surveillance, marking a shift away from earlier ethical standards.
Published
2 months agoon
By
AIinAsia
TL;DR – What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
- Google has quietly removed its pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance.
- The original 2018 guidelines referenced human rights; now they emphasise “Bold Innovation.”
- Critics view this as Big Tech dropping any pretence of distancing itself from controversial government contracts.
- Questions loom about what this means for AI ethics and democracy.
Big Tech’s Changing Moral Compass: Project Maven
Back in 2018, Google found itself in hot water when the public learned of its involvement in Project Maven, a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop AI for drone imaging. In response to the backlash, CEO Sundar Pichai laid out a set of AI principles, pledging not to use the technology for weapons, surveillance, or projects that contravene international human rights.
Fast-forward to today, and those promises have disappeared. The updated AI principles now pivot away from banning military and surveillance applications, instead extolling “Bold Innovation,” balancing benefits against “foreseeable risks,” and citing the importance of “Responsible development and deployment.” The reference to avoiding technologies that breach human rights standards has been softened, offering more leeway for Google—and possibly other tech giants—to pursue lucrative military or policing contracts.
Emphasis on Innovation Over Ethics
The newly framed goals outline three main principles, with the spotlight firmly on “Bold Innovation”—celebrating AI’s capacity to drive economic progress, improve lives, and tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. While noble in theory, critics argue that this reframing effectively dilutes the stronger language of the original guidelines.
The second principle highlights the “Responsible development and deployment” of AI, mentioning “unintended or harmful outcomes” and “unfair bias.” Yet this also appears more lenient than the previous stance. Instead of a strict refusal to engage in ethically dubious projects, Google now mentions “appropriate human oversight, due diligence, and feedback mechanisms.” This shift seems designed to minimise PR fallout rather than erect hard boundaries.
The Historical Ties
Silicon Valley’s roots in military funding date back decades, with large-scale defence contracts instrumental in fostering technological breakthroughs. But in recent years, consumer-facing tech companies often sought to distance themselves from these associations, wary of public and shareholder pushback. The latest changes suggest that Google—and arguably the rest of Big Tech—are now less concerned about being seen as collaborating with entities that use technology for surveillance and warfare.
From “Don’t Be Evil” to “Don’t Be Caught”
The original motto “Don’t be evil” has been left behind, replaced with a pragmatic drive for profit and power. Google’s newly sanitised language signals a broader cultural shift in Silicon Valley, where business interests are increasingly trumping public relations concerns. From allegations of bias to potential abuse of surveillance tech, the ethical questions surrounding AI remain as pertinent as ever.
What do YOU think as Google Lifts AI Ban on Weapons and Surveillance?
So, are we ready to give tech giants free rein on weapons and surveillance, or is it time for stricter global regulation?
Let’s Talk AI!
How are you preparing for the AI-driven future? What questions are you training yourself to ask? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with your network, and subscribe for more deep dives into AI’s impact on work, life, and everything in between.
You may also like:
You can read ‘Google’s Principles’ by tapping here.
- The Rise of AI-Powered Weapons: Anduril’s $1.5 Billion Leap into the Future
- The Future of Warfare: Asia’s Push for AI Military Blueprint
- AI In The Military: Transforming War Strategies
Author
Discover more from AIinASIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You may like
-
Unearthly Tech? AI’s Bizarre Chip Design Leaves Experts Flummoxed
-
How Did Meta’s AI Achieve 80% Mind-Reading Accuracy?
-
How to Prepare for AI’s Impact on Your Job by 2030
-
We (Sort Of) Missed the Mark with Digital Transformation
-
Reality Check: The Surprising Relationship Between AI and Human Perception
-
The Mystery of ChatGPT’s Forbidden Names
News
OpenAI’s New ChatGPT Image Policy: Is AI Moderation Becoming Too Lax?
ChatGPT now generates previously banned images of public figures and symbols. Is this freedom overdue or dangerously permissive?
Published
2 days agoon
March 30, 2025By
AIinAsia
TL;DR – What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
- ChatGPT can now generate images of public figures, previously disallowed.
- Requests related to physical and racial traits are now accepted.
- Controversial symbols are permitted in strictly educational contexts.
- OpenAI argues for nuanced moderation rather than blanket censorship.
- Move aligns with industry trends towards relaxed content moderation policies.
Is AI Moderation Becoming Too Lax?
ChatGPT just got a visual upgrade—generating whimsical Studio Ghibli-style images that quickly became an internet sensation. But look beyond these charming animations, and you’ll see something far more controversial: OpenAI has significantly eased its moderation policies, allowing users to generate images previously considered taboo. So, is this a timely move towards creative freedom or a risky step into a moderation minefield?
ChatGPT’s new visual prowess
OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-4o, introduces impressive image-generation capabilities directly inside ChatGPT. With advanced photo editing, sharper text rendering, and improved spatial representation, ChatGPT now rivals specialised image AI tools.
But the buzz isn’t just about cartoonish visuals; it’s about OpenAI’s major shift on sensitive content moderation.
Moving beyond blanket bans
Previously, if you asked ChatGPT to generate an image featuring public figures—say Donald Trump or Elon Musk—it would simply refuse. Similarly, requests for hateful symbols or modifications highlighting racial characteristics (like “make this person’s eyes look more Asian”) were strictly off-limits.
No longer. Joanne Jang, OpenAI’s model behaviour lead, explained the shift clearly:
“We’re shifting from blanket refusals in sensitive areas to a more precise approach focused on preventing real-world harm. The goal is to embrace humility—recognising how much we don’t know, and positioning ourselves to adapt as we learn.”
In short, fewer instant rejections, more nuanced responses.
Exactly what’s allowed now?
With this update, ChatGPT can now depict public figures upon request, moving away from selectively policing celebrity imagery. OpenAI will allow individuals to opt-out if they don’t want AI-generated images of themselves—shifting control back to users.
Controversially, ChatGPT also now accepts previously prohibited requests related to sensitive physical traits, like ethnicity or body shape adjustments, sparking fresh debate around ethical AI usage.
Handling the hottest topics
OpenAI is cautiously permitting requests involving controversial symbols—like swastikas—but only in neutral or educational contexts, never endorsing harmful ideologies. GPT-4o also continues to enforce stringent protections, especially around images involving children, setting even tighter standards than its predecessor, DALL-E 3.
Yet, loosening moderation around sensitive imagery has inevitably reignited fierce debates over censorship, freedom of speech, and AI’s ethical responsibilities.
A strategic shift or political move?
OpenAI maintains these changes are non-political, emphasising instead their longstanding commitment to user autonomy. But the timing is provocative, coinciding with increasing regulatory pressure and scrutiny from politicians like Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, who recently challenged tech companies about perceived biases in AI moderation.
This relaxation of restrictions echoes similar moves by other tech giants—Meta and X have also dialled back content moderation after facing similar criticisms. AI image moderation, however, poses unique risks due to its potential for widespread misinformation and cultural distortion, as Google’s recent controversy over historically inaccurate Gemini images has demonstrated.
What’s next for AI moderation?
ChatGPT’s new creative freedom has delighted users, but the wider implications remain uncertain. While memes featuring beloved animation styles flood social media, this same freedom could enable the rapid spread of less harmless imagery. OpenAI’s balancing act could quickly draw regulatory attention—particularly under the Trump administration’s more critical stance towards tech censorship.
The big question now: Where exactly do we draw the line between creative freedom and responsible moderation?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
You may also like:
- China’s Bold Move: Shaping Global AI Regulation with Watermarks
- China’s Bold Move: Shaping Global AI Regulation with Watermarks
- Or try ChatGPT now by tapping here.
Author
Discover more from AIinASIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
News
Tencent Joins China’s AI Race with New T1 Reasoning Model Launch
Tencent launches its powerful new T1 reasoning model amid growing AI competition in China, while startup Manus gains major regulatory and media support.
Published
5 days agoon
March 27, 2025By
AIinAsia
TL;DR – What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
- Tencent has launched its upgraded T1 reasoning model
- Competition heats up in China’s AI market
- Beijing spotlights Manus
- Manus partners with Alibaba’s Qwen AI team
The Tencent T1 Reasoning Model Has Launched
Tencent has officially launched the upgraded version of its T1 reasoning model, intensifying competition within China’s already bustling artificial intelligence sector. Announced on Friday (21 March), the T1 reasoning model promises significant enhancements over its preview edition, including faster responses and improved processing of lengthy texts.
In a WeChat announcement, Tencent highlighted T1’s strengths, noting it “keeps the content logic clear and the text neat,” while maintaining an “extremely low hallucination rate,” referring to the AI’s tendency to generate accurate, reliable outputs without inventing false information.
The Turbo S Advantage
The T1 model is built on Tencent’s own Turbo S foundational language technology, introduced last month. According to Tencent, Turbo S notably outpaces competitor DeepSeek’s R1 model when processing queries, a claim backed up by benchmarks Tencent shared in its announcement. These tests showed T1 leading in several key knowledge and reasoning categories.
Tencent’s latest launch comes amid heightened rivalry sparked largely by DeepSeek, a Chinese startup whose powerful yet affordable AI models recently stunned global tech markets. DeepSeek’s success has spurred local companies like Tencent into accelerating their own AI investments.
Beijing Spotlights Rising AI Star Manus
The race isn’t limited to tech giants. Manus, a homegrown AI startup, also received a major boost from Chinese authorities this week. On Thursday, state broadcaster CCTV featured Manus for the first time, comparing its advanced AI agent technology favourably against more traditional chatbot models.
Manus became a sensation globally after unveiling what it claims to be the world’s first truly general-purpose AI agent, capable of independently making decisions and executing tasks with minimal prompting. This autonomy differentiates it sharply from existing chatbots such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
Crucially, Manus has now cleared significant regulatory hurdles. Beijing’s municipal authorities confirmed that a China-specific version of Manus’ AI assistant, Monica, is fully registered and compliant with the country’s strict generative AI guidelines, a necessary step before public release.
Further strengthening its domestic foothold, Manus recently announced a strategic partnership with Alibaba’s Qwen AI team, a collaboration likely to accelerate the rollout of Manus’ agent technology across China. Currently, Manus’ agent is accessible only via invite codes, with an eager waiting list already surpassing two million.
The Race Has Only Just Begun
With Tencent’s T1 now officially in play and Manus gaining momentum, China’s AI competition is clearly heating up, promising exciting innovations ahead. As tech giants and ambitious startups alike push boundaries, China’s AI landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic—leaving tech enthusiasts and investors eagerly watching to see who’ll take the lead next.
What do YOU think?
Could China’s AI startups like Manus soon disrupt Silicon Valley’s dominance, or will giants like Tencent keep the competition at bay?
You may also like:
Tencent Takes on DeepSeek: Meet the Lightning-Fast Hunyuan Turbo S
DeepSeek in Singapore: AI Miracle or Security Minefield?
Alibaba’s AI Ambitions: Fueling Cloud Growth and Expanding in Asia
Learn more by tapping here to visit the Tencent website.
Author
Discover more from AIinASIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
News
Google’s Gemini AI is Coming to Your Chrome Browser — Here’s the Inside Scoop
Google is integrating Gemini AI into Chrome browser through a new experimental feature called Gemini Live in Chrome (GLIC). Here’s everything you need to know.
Published
7 days agoon
March 25, 2025By
AIinAsia
TL;DR – What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
- Google is integrating Gemini AI into its Chrome browser via an experimental feature called Gemini Live in Chrome (GLIC).
- GLIC adds a clickable Gemini icon next to Chrome’s window controls, opening a floating AI assistant modal.
- Currently being tested in Chrome Canary, the feature aims to streamline AI interactions without leaving the browser.
Welcoming Google’s Gemini AI to Your Chrome Browser
If there’s one thing tech giants love more than AI right now, it’s finding new ways to shove that AI into everything we use. And Google—never one to be left behind—is apparently stepping up their game by sliding their Gemini AI directly into your beloved Chrome browser. Yep, that’s the buzz on the digital street!
This latest AI adventure popped up thanks to eagle-eyed folks at Windows Latest, who spotted intriguing code snippets hidden in Google’s Chrome Canary version. Canary, if you haven’t played with it before, is Google’s playground version of Chrome. It’s the spot where they test all their wild and wonderful experimental features, and it looks like Gemini’s next up on stage.
Say Hello to GLIC: Gemini Live in Chrome
They’re calling this new integration “GLIC,” which stands for “Gemini Live in Chrome.” (Yes, tech companies never resist a snappy acronym, do they?) According to the early glimpses from Canary, GLIC isn’t quite ready for primetime yet—no shock there—but the outlines are pretty clear.
Once activated, GLIC introduces a nifty Gemini icon neatly tucked up beside your usual minimise, maximise, and close window buttons. Click it, and a floating Gemini assistant modal pops open, ready and waiting for your prompts, questions, or random curiosities.
Prefer a less conspicuous spot? Google’s thought of that too—GLIC can also nestle comfortably in your system tray, offering quick access to Gemini without cluttering your browser interface.

Why Gemini in Chrome Actually Makes Sense
Having Gemini hanging out front and centre in Chrome feels like a smart move—especially when you’re knee-deep in tabs and need quick answers or creative inspiration on the fly. No more toggling between browser tabs or separate apps; your AI assistant is literally at your fingertips.
But let’s keep expectations realistic here—this is still Canary we’re talking about. Features here often need plenty of polish and tweaking before making it to the stable Chrome we all rely on. But the potential? Definitely exciting.
What’s Next?
For now, we’ll keep a close eye on GLIC’s developments. Will Gemini revolutionise how we interact with Chrome, or will it end up another quirky experiment? Either way, Google’s bet on AI is clearly ramping up, and we’re here for it. Don’t forget to sign up to our occasional newsletter to stay informed about this and other happenings around AI in Asia and beyond.
Stay tuned—we’ll share updates as soon as Google lifts the curtains a bit further.
You may also like:
- Revolutionising Search: Google’s New AI Features in Chrome
- Google Gemini: How To Maximise Its Potential
- Google Gemini: The Future of AI
- Try Google Carnary by tapping here — be warned, it can be unstable!
Author
Discover more from AIinASIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Secret to Using Generative AI Effectively In 2025

AI-pril Fools! How AI is Outsmarting Our Best Pranks

OpenAI’s New ChatGPT Image Policy: Is AI Moderation Becoming Too Lax?
Trending
-
News2 weeks ago
Adobe Jumps into AI Video: Exploring Firefly’s New Video Generator
-
Life1 day ago
AI-pril Fools! How AI is Outsmarting Our Best Pranks
-
News2 days ago
OpenAI’s New ChatGPT Image Policy: Is AI Moderation Becoming Too Lax?
-
News7 days ago
Google’s Gemini AI is Coming to Your Chrome Browser — Here’s the Inside Scoop
-
Business6 days ago
Forget the panic: AI Isn’t Here to Replace Us—It’s Here to Elevate Our Roles
-
Tools16 hours ago
The Secret to Using Generative AI Effectively In 2025
-
News5 days ago
Tencent Joins China’s AI Race with New T1 Reasoning Model Launch