Alphabet Rejects Studying AI Risk on Human Rights, Free Speech

Alphabet Inc. has defeated three investor bids to study artificial intelligence hazards confronting the technology giant.

Shareholders at Alphabet’s annual meeting on Friday pushed the owner of Google, YouTube, and self-driving car company Waymo to report on risks its AI technology may pose to free speech, public welfare, and human rights.

The proposals from the National Legal and Policy Center, Inspire Investing, and the Shareholder Association for Research & Education failed to secure the majority of votes cast by Alphabet investors, according to preliminary results announced at the meeting. The company, which had urged investors to vote them down, didn’t ...