DeepMind Scientist Quits Over Google’s Pentagon AI Deal
A Google DeepMind AI-safety researcher, Alex Turner, resigned in June over Google’s Pentagon agreement to allow the U.S. military to use its AI for classified operations. Turner had proposed a framework to ensure human control over military AI and had discussed his concerns with Google leadership before leaving, saying he could not stay in good conscience. The incident follows Google’s 2025 AI-principles update that removed pledges against weapons and mass surveillance, sparking employee backlash. Turner is currently pursuing independent AI-safety work and does not yet have another job lined up.
