Google DeepMind employees request plans to keep them physically safe from ICE: report | Latest Tech News
Employees at Google’s DeepMind artificial intelligence lab reportedly demanded that management element plans on how to keep them “physically safe” from ICE after the deadly taking pictures of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
An unnamed DeepMind worker made the request Monday on an inner message board, according to Wired, which obtained screenshots of the post.
“US focused question: What is GDM doing to keep us physically safe from ICE? The events of the past week have shown that immigration status, citizenship, or even the law is not a deterrent against detention, violence, or even death from federal operatives,” the employee was quoted as saying.
The Jan. 24 lethal taking pictures of Alexi Pretti set off firestorms across the US. via REUTERS
“What kinds of plans and policies are in place to ensure our safety at the office? Coming to and from work? As we have seen, government agency tactics can change and escalate quite rapidly. With offices in many metro areas across the US, are we prepared?”
The post was despatched to a channel with more than 3,600 employees, said a source acquainted with the matter . About 40 of them interacted with the post, with many including a “plus emoji.”
Google didn’t remark.
The post went unanswered by senior management as of Monday evening, according to Wired.
A DeepMind worker posted a separate message citing an incident in which a federal agent allegedly tried to enter Google’s workplace in Cambridge, Mass. The entry reportedly occurred at some level last fall, though it’s unclear when the worker’s message was posted.
An indication in the reception space at the Google DeepMind headquarters in London, UK, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Bloomberg via Getty Images
Google’s security chief responded to that message with particulars confirming that an “officer arrived at reception without notice” and was “not granted entry because they did not have a warrant and promptly left.”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai and DeepMind boss Demis Hassabis have yet to weigh in publicly on the Pretti killing. DeepMind chief scientist Jeff Dean called the taking pictures “absolutely shameful.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook said he was “heartbroken” by the occasions in Minneapolis and told employees it was “time for de-escalation,” according to a number of stories. The exec said he’s spoken to President Trump about the state of affairs.
OpenAI honcho Sam Altman said in an inner message that “What’s happening with ICE is going too far. There is a big difference between deporting violent criminals and what’s happening now, and we need to get the distinction right.”
Stay informed with the latest in tech! Our web site is your trusted source for breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, gadget launches, software program updates, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
For contemporary insights, skilled coverage, and trending tech updates, go to us usually by clicking right here.
