“Google Boosts AI Education Initiatives Amidst Global Regulatory Challenges: What You Need to Know” | PYMNTS.com

Google, part of Alphabet Inc., is facing strong challenges from regulators worldwide. As concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) grow, the company is stepping up its efforts to shape public opinion and influence policymaking.

According to Reuters, Google is focusing on AI education and workforce training. This strategy aims to make people more familiar with AI and its tools, which could lead to better policies and more innovation.

Kent Walker, who leads global affairs for Alphabet, says that getting more people—including government officials—acquainted with AI can create a positive cycle. “When people understand AI better, they can develop smarter policies and discover new opportunities,” he noted.

At the same time, Google is under the microscope from regulators. In the EU, there are talks of forcing the company to sell part of its advertising tech to tackle antitrust worries. Over in the U.S., the Department of Justice is looking into breaking up Google’s Chrome browser. These regulatory challenges are appearing alongside new AI rules that aim to address copyright issues, privacy, and job disruptions.

A critical step in regulation is the European Union’s AI Act. This legislation classifies AI systems by risk levels and requires transparency for general AI applications. However, Google and other tech firms have raised concerns that such rules could result in hefty fines and hinder innovation.

In the U.S., the Justice Department is also apprehensive about Google’s power in the search market, linking it to monopoly concerns. This puts Google in a competitive spot against rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI.

In response to these obstacles, Google is investing in AI education. Recently, CEO Sundar Pichai unveiled a $120 million fund dedicated to creating AI training programs. Google’s leaders are actively reaching out to global policymakers, engaging them in discussions about AI governance and fair regulations.