Story perspectives

Google Signs DoD Deal for Gemini AI, Staff Protest

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Google signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to run Gemini AI on classified networks for lawful government purposes such as mission planning and weapons targeting.
The agreement prohibits domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight, giving Google no veto over Pentagon operations.
Hundreds of DeepMind and Cloud employees have urged CEO Sundar Pichai to block the deal, warning it could irreparably harm Google’s reputation.

History

Historical Context

Project Maven, launched by Deputy Secretary Robert O. Work in April 2017, enlisted Google in March 2018 to apply AI to drone footage; after employee protests, Google ended the roughly $9 million contract in June 2018. In 2024, CEO Sundar Pichai approved a new Gemini AI deal with the Department of Defense, reviving the contested military-AI partnership.

1 of 2

Story summary

Google signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to run Gemini AI on classified networks for lawful government purposes such as mission planning and weapons targeting.
The agreement prohibits domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight, giving Google no veto over Pentagon operations.
Hundreds of DeepMind and Cloud employees have urged CEO Sundar Pichai to block the deal, warning it could irreparably harm Google’s reputation.

1 / 2