Google and its philanthropic arm, Google.org, have launched the Digital Futures Project on September 11. This initiative aims to research responsible artificial intelligence (AI) technology and promote responsible discussions about AI technologies. Google has allocated $20 million in grants to be awarded to leading think tanks and academic institutions worldwide.
The project seeks to address various AI-related issues, including fairness, bias, misinformation, safety, and the future of work. Google intends to achieve this by collaborating closely with external organizations and fostering responsible dialogue. The project will support researchers, organize conferences, and promote discussions on public policy solutions to encourage the responsible development of AI.
Recipients of funding from the Digital Futures Project include prominent organizations such as the Aspen Institute, the Brookings Institution, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, among others. The project's launch coincides with an "Artificial Intelligence Forum" in Washington, D.C., on September 13, hosted by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The event will bring together CEOs from some of the world's largest tech companies, including Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, former Google CEO and Chairman Eric Schmidt, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and others. It marks a significant gathering of CEOs with a combined market capitalization exceeding $6 trillion. The event aims to discuss artificial intelligence policy and is the first of nine meetings scheduled for the fall, although it's uncertain whether the same guest list will appear at each gathering.
