Google has introduced strict new rules requiring its software engineers to seek approval before using external AI coding assistants, as the company shifts focus to its own internal artificial intelligence tools.
The directive was issued in June through an internal email from engineering vice president Megan Kacholia, instructing staff to rely solely on Google’s in-house AI models for coding. Employees who wish to use third-party AI tools for non-coding purposes must also obtain management clearance, according to people familiar with the matter.
The move reflects Google’s strategy to improve productivity through AI adoption while protecting sensitive internal data. CEO Sundar Pichai reinforced this stance during a July all-hands meeting, stressing that employees must use AI tools to help Google stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
At the centre of this effort is Cider, Google’s proprietary AI coding platform, powered by models including Gemini for Google, designed using internal technical data. Since its launch in May, about half of its users are reported to access it weekly.
To accelerate progress, Google recently acquired staff from an AI coding startup for $2.4 billion, including its CEO, to strengthen its capabilities in “agentic coding.” Engineering managers have also been urging employees to showcase AI usage in their daily tasks, though a company spokesperson clarified that AI adoption is not tied to performance reviews.
Despite this, internal expectations remain high, with updated job roles highlighting the use of AI in problem solving. One employee noted, “It seems like a no-brainer that you need to be using it to get ahead.”
Pichai has stated that more than 30% of Google’s code is now AI-generated, up from 25% last October, contributing to a 10% rise in engineer productivity. With this, Google joins other major tech firms in mandating AI adoption to strengthen its competitive position.
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