Google drops pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance

At what point does a public promise carry any legal weight whatsoever? If it carries none, then why not leave it in place and lie? If it carries some, for how long and who has standing to sue?

Genuine questions. Unlike "don't be evil," this promise has a very narrow and clear interpretation.

It would be nice if companies weren't able to just kinda say whatever when it's expedient.

Absolutely no legal weight.

However, when you change a promise publicly, you signal a change in direction. It is much more honest than leaving it in place but violating it behind the scenes. If the public really cares, they can pass a law via their democratic representatives (or Google can swear a public oath before God I suppose).

It's an ad.

Because then investors won't invest.