OpenAI and Google employees have signed a petition opposing the military's AI use (www.businessinsider.com)

Employees at OpenAI and Google have united in signing a petition against the use of their companies' AI technologies for military applications, particularly highlighting concerns over mass surveillance and autonomous weaponry that lacks human oversight. Titled "We Will Not Be Divided," the petition has garnered over 220 signatures from current and former staff, amid reports that the Pentagon is pressuring AI firms like Anthropic to provide military access to their models. The petition seeks to ensure that these technologies are not leveraged for harmful purposes, urging leadership in these tech giants to stand firm against governmental demands. This significant movement within the AI/ML community signals rising ethical concerns about the military's influence on the development and deployment of AI technologies. The situation raises critical questions about the implications of government pressure on private enterprises, especially given the potential for companies to be labeled as "supply chain risks" if they refuse military collaborations. Experts warn that this unprecedented tactic could have broader ramifications for the tech industry, making partnerships with government entities seem precarious. The petition emphasizes the need for solidarity among employees to safeguard the ethical application of AI, reflecting a growing awareness of the moral responsibilities that come with advanced technologies.