Google’s AI lockdown: Engineers banned from outside tools; monitored daily usage

Google is now requiring its software engineers to seek approval before utilizing external AI coding assistants, as the company prioritizes the adoption of its internal AI tools. This directive, outlined in a recent email, aims to boost productivity and maintain control over sensitive data. Google is actively promoting its internal AI coding platform, Cider, and integrating AI usage into job role expectations to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.