Kent Walker

Kent Walker is a highly respected figure in the technology industry, renowned for his extensive experience at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, policy, and legal matters. Currently serving as the President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, he assumes a crucial role in overseeing the teams responsible for government relations, legal and compliance work, content policies and enforcement, responsible innovation efforts, and philanthropic initiatives.

With over three decades of dedication to the intersection of technology, law, and policy, Kent Walker joined Google in 2006 and has since led the company's advocacy on a range of important issues including competition, content, copyright, and privacy. He has collaborated with government leaders and regulators worldwide, playing a pivotal role as the first chair of the Global Internet Forum to Combat Terrorism. Notably, in 2018, he guided the development of Google's AI Principles and currently serves as the chair of the Advanced Technology Review Council, shaping the company's approach to groundbreaking technologies.

Kent's tenure at Google has been marked by significant legal achievements and contributions. The company has established influential legal principles pertaining to online content, particularly under the First Amendment and Section 230. Under his leadership, Google has also secured landmark victories in prominent intellectual property cases, including Viacom v. YouTube, the Google Books case, and Oracle v. Google. Moreover, Walker has overseen notable competition settlements and litigation in Europe and the United States, further shaping the landscape of the technology industry.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kent Walker has actively engaged with various nonprofits, community organizations, and industry associations throughout his career. He currently serves on the executive committee of TechNet and is a respected member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Walker's impressive educational background includes graduating with honours from Harvard University and Stanford Law School. His extensive experience, notable achievements, and influential contributions have positioned him as a key influencer in shaping the realms of technology, policy, and law, making him a prominent figure in the industry.

Kent Walker is the President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, where he oversees the teams responsible for government relations, legal and compliance work, content policies and enforcement, responsible innovation efforts, and philanthropic initiatives. 

For thirty years, Kent has focused on the intersection of technology, law, and policy. Since joining Google in 2006, he has led the company’s advocacy on competition, content, copyright, and privacy. He has worked with government leaders and regulators around the world and served as the first chair of the Global Internet Forum to Combat Terrorism. He oversaw the creation of Google’s AI Principles in 2018 and today he is the chair of the company’s Advanced Technology Review Council. 

During Kent's tenure, Google has established important legal principles for online content under the First Amendment and Section 230 and has won what has been described as the three most important IP cases of the 21st century: Viacom v. YouTube (platform liability under the DMCA), the Google Books case (the right to scan and repurpose books), and Oracle v. Google (fair use of APIs). In addition to these cases, Kent oversaw notable competition settlements and litigation in Europe and the United States. 

Over the years, Kent has been involved with several nonprofits, community organizations, and industry associations. Currently, he serves on TechNet’s executive committee and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Kent Walker is a highly regarded figure in the technology industry, with a career spanning over two decades at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, policy, and legal matters. Presently, he holds the position of President, Global Affairs at Google, where he oversees the company's legal, policy, and compliance affairs, product policies, philanthropic initiatives, and global governmental engagements. 

Prior to joining Google, Walker held executive roles at prominent technology firms including eBay, Netscape, AOL, and Airtouch Communications. He also served as an Assistant US Attorney at the US Department of Justice, offering counsel on technology policy matters to the Attorney General. At the onset of his professional journey, he specialized in litigation with a focus on government and public law issues. 

Walker has actively contributed to industry associations and currently serves on the boards of the Harvard Board of Overseers and the Mercy Corps Social Ventures Fund. In addition, he is a respected member of the Council on Foreign Relations. 

Walker's educational background includes graduating with honours from Harvard University and Stanford Law School. His extensive experience and notable achievements have established him as a key influencer in shaping technology, policy, and legal landscapes within the industry.

Kent Walker's vision is centred around the power of technology to drive positive change and create a more inclusive and accessible world. As the President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, he is deeply committed to advancing innovation while ensuring responsible and ethical practices.

One key aspect of Walker's vision is fostering strong relationships with governments, policymakers, and regulators worldwide. He believes in the importance of collaboration and dialogue to address complex issues surrounding technology, privacy, content regulation, and competition. By working closely with global leaders, Walker aims to shape policies that promote innovation, protect user rights, and maintain a healthy digital ecosystem.

Another crucial element of Walker's vision is the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, he advocates for its development and deployment in a manner that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and accountability. He played a pivotal role in establishing Google's AI Principles, which guide the company's responsible use of AI technologies.

Furthermore, Walker is passionate about expanding access to technology and digital resources for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or geographic location. He believes in leveraging Google's reach and resources to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities. Through philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, Walker seeks to unlock the transformative power of technology and enable people to fully participate in the digital age.