Intercept exposes contradictions in Google’s Project Nimbus claims
Al Mayadeen, 12/03/24: “According to The Intercept, Google has defended its controversial cloud computing contract with the Israeli government, Project Nimbus, by stating it follows the company’s standard cloud computing terms of service, though internal documents reveal the agreement operates under an “adjusted” policy tailored by Google and “Israel,” the specifics of which remain unclear.
Despite widespread criticism, Google’s Project Nimbus—a $1.2 billion deal—provides the Israeli government and military with access to advanced cloud and AI technologies, and while Amazon has largely remained silent, Google continues to downplay the project’s military implications, despite Israeli statements highlighting its benefit to the “defense establishment.”
Google has sought to reassure critics concerned about its partnership with the Israeli government, which is under investigation by the International Criminal Court, by stating that the Project Nimbus contract adheres to the company’s standard cloud terms and regulations, which prohibit uses that violate legal rights or cause harm.
The Google Cloud terms of service, among other things, ban uses that ‘violate, or encourage the violation of, the legal rights of others,’ any ‘invasive’ purpose, or anything ‘that can cause death, serious harm, or injury to individuals or groups of individuals.'”