How Google is Pioneering AI Education Amidst Increasing Regulatory Challenges

Google is ramping up its efforts to shape how people see artificial intelligence (AI) as it faces tough regulations worldwide.

One big focus is on education. Kent Walker, Alphabet’s president of global affairs, believes that getting more people and organizations familiar with AI tools can lead to better policies and new opportunities. “It’s a virtuous cycle,” he suggests.

As Google competes with tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, it’s aware of the scrutiny it faces in advertising and search. For instance, the European Union has pressured Google to sell part of its ad tech business, while the U.S. government is exploring breaking up its Chrome browser.

Globally, new laws on AI are in the works. The EU AI Act aims to tackle issues like copyright and privacy but has met resistance from big tech companies, fearing hefty fines. The Justice Department is also looking at Google’s AI moves due to its previous findings of an illegal monopoly in the search market.

Google’s leadership sees a chance to change the conversation around AI, especially amid worries about job losses. CEO Sundar Pichai recently announced a $120 million fund to create AI education programs. Walker and other executives are actively meeting with governments to share ideas on policy reforms.

“We want to help people who might be displaced by AI,” Walker adds. One way they’re doing this is through the Grow with Google initiative, which offers training in skills like data analysis and IT support to enhance job prospects. As of December, 1 million people have earned certificates through the program, which is now adding more AI-focused courses.

However, Walker stresses that courses must lead to tangible outcomes. “Having a credential that people can use to apply for a job matters,” he notes.

Another effort is the “Skilled Trades and Readiness” program, where Google collaborates with community colleges to prepare workers for jobs building data centers, integrating AI education into the mix.

“The federal government will look to see which new programs succeed,” Walker predicts. “If we can support that, we’ve done our job.”

In the long run, he believes AI will change jobs, but only a small number may disappear completely. Studies from Google, Goldman Sachs, and McKinsey back this idea, showing that AI will become part of most jobs.

To address workforce changes, Google has brought in economist David Autor as a visiting fellow to explore AI’s impact. Autor suggests that AI could transform training, making it more engaging, much like flight simulators do for pilots.

“The history of adult retraining isn’t great,” Autor says. “Many adults are hesitant to return to classroom settings. Traditional training won’t be the answer for everyone.”