Inside Google’s DeepMind Deal: Beating Facebook With AI Ethics Commitments

DeepMind, founded by Demis Hassabis and others, focused on artificial general intelligence research. When the company sought funding and partners in 2013, Google and Facebook both entered the race. The deal involved more than talent and technology, extending to limits on military uses of AI and the boundaries of corporate governance.

A new book, “The Infinity Machine,” reveals that Google secured DeepMind for $650 million in 2013. Although Mark Zuckerberg offered more, Hassabis chose Google. The agreement included conditions that DeepMind remain headquartered in London, prohibit military applications and establish an independent AI ethics board.