Google moves to shape AI policies globally through education, workforce training  

The tech giant, already under intense regulatory scrutiny for its search and advertising businesses, is emphasizing education and workforce training to pave the way for broader AI adoption.

Alphabet’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, disclosed this plan, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing individuals and organizations, including governments, with AI tools.

“Getting more people and organizations familiar with AI creates better AI policy and opens up new opportunities – it’s a virtuous cycle,” Walker said in an interview with Reuters.

According to Walker, a cornerstone of Google’s strategy is expanding educational programs to prepare the workforce for AI’s transformative impact.

“What really matters is having a credential that people can use to apply for jobs. To this end, Google is fostering public-private partnerships, such as the Skilled Trades and Readiness program, which collaborates with community colleges to train workers for jobs, including constructing data centers,” he said.

The program is now incorporating AI education to further enhance workforce readiness.

Google is also commissioning studies to assess AI’s impact on the job market, predicting that while some jobs may be entirely displaced, most roles will integrate AI in some capacity.

“The history of adult retraining is not particularly glorious. Classroom training is not going to be the solution for many,” Autor noted.

Globally, governments are drafting regulations to address AI-related issues such as copyright, privacy, and systemic risks.

The European Union’s AI Act, which requires risk assessments and disclosures from general-purpose AI systems, has faced pushback from tech giants due to potential penalties.