In Conversation with Kent Walker (SVP, Google)

From helping predict natural disasters, prevent illegal deforestation, to making it easier for doctors to detect diseases––AI is helping tackle challenges in a wide range of fields. There are enormous opportunities to use AI to solve big social problems; the key is responsible development. As AI is applied across more fields of society, sensible principles are needed to help guide decision making on projects and research to pursue. Kent Walker will discuss how the world is approaching AI development and governance today, introduce Google’s perspective on these complex ethical and social issues, and talk through his view on smart regulation and AI policy innovation.

 

---

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Kent Walker has worked at the nexus of cutting-edge technology, policy, and legal issues for over twenty years. He currently oversees Google's legal, policy, and compliance affairs, product policies, philanthropic efforts, and work with governments around the world.

Before joining Google, Kent held executive positions at leading technology companies, including eBay, Netscape, AOL, and Airtouch Communications. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and advised the Attorney General on technology policy issues. At the start of his career, he worked as a litigator specializing in government and public law issues.

Kent graduated with honors from Harvard College and Stanford Law School. He has served on the boards of a variety of industry associations and currently serves on the Harvard Board of Overseers and the Mercy Corps Social Ventures Fund. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.