Google Clamps Down on Company Research into ‘Sensitive Topics’

Google has secured a tight grip around the research done by its staff, according to internal communications and other information obtained by Reuters.

A new “sensitive topics” review procedure has, in at least three cases, “requested authors refrain from casting its technology in a negative light.” News of Google’s new process broke after Reuters was able to get its hands on internal Google communications and speak with researchers involved with the work. There were at least 13 “sensitive topics” listed in the new review policy, including bias, China, COVID-19 and Israel.