The most famous phrase in Google’s corporate philosophy, “Don’t be evil,” has been almost entirely removed from the technology giant’s code of conduct. Google previously included the phrase “Don’t be evil” at the very start of its code, and another two times within the first two paragraphs. The simple language was replaced by vague and less specific wording such as “ethical business conduct”. The updated code of conduct comes as artificial intelligence researchers call for Google to abandon a project developing AI technology for the military. Google’s refusal to cut ties with the US military led to the resignation of around a dozen employees from the company, who cited ethical concerns and warned that autonomous weapons directly contradicted the firm’s famous “Don’t be evil” motto.

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Independent