[charcircuit]

This is only true for experiments funded by the government. In this case the experiment was funded solely by Google.

[loeg]

IRB approval is required for human subject research funded by private parties, too; not just government. But only really in the medical field.

[charcircuit]

>But only really in the medical field.

Looking it up, the exception where it is required is specifically for clinical investigations regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.