In a dramatic turn of events, a group of Stanford University students walked out of the campus auditorium during the commencement speech delivered by Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, on June 16, 2019. The walkout was reportedly staged in protest of various issues, including Google’s handling of censorship in China, its role in the development of artificial intelligence for military use, and the company’s treatment of its contract workers.
Pichai, who graduated from Stanford in 2005 with a master’s degree in materials science and engineering, was invited to deliver the commencement address to the class of 2019. Despite the walkout, Pichai’s speech focused on the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and the need for technology to be harnessed for the greater good.
The walkout was peaceful, with the protesting students leaving the auditorium quietly and gathering outside to discuss their concerns. The event highlights the growing scrutiny of tech companies and their leaders, as well as the increasing activism among students and young people on issues related to technology, ethics, and social responsibility.
Original news story via India Today.