Google Reorganizes DeepMind, Moves 90-Person AI Responsibility Team Out

PANews reported on August 27, according to Sina Finance, an internal email shows that Google is spinning off a team that studies AI risks and societal impact from DeepMind, the lab that develops frontier AI models. Two current DeepMind employees said the reporting structure adjustment came after DeepMind co-founder and former CEO Demis Hassabis stepped down and transitioned to a newly created chairman role; some team members worry the change will have a negative impact on the department’s work. Starting next week, the roughly 90-person AI responsibility team will be folded into Google’s Global Affairs department, which oversees Google’s overall lobbying, public relations, and public policy affairs.