AI Ethics Weekly – February 23: Is It Time to Rein in Big Tech?

AI Ethics Weekly – February 23: Is It Time to Rein in Big Tech?
February 22, 2021 LH3_Admin

Google’s firing of 2 ethical AI researchers and Facebook blocking Australians from sharing news stories, it may be time to reign in big tech.

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Google fires Ethical AI lead Margaret Mitchell
h/t VentureBeat @VentureBeat
“Google fired Margaret “Meg” Mitchell, lead of the Ethical AI team, today. The move comes just hours after Google announced diversity policy changes and Google AI chief Jeff Dean sent an apology in the wake of the firing of former Google AI ethics lead Timnit Gebru in late 2020.”

Google Revamps AI Teams in Wake of Researcher’s Departure
h/t Bloomberg Technology @technology
“My biggest disappointment is with Marian Croak legitimizing this,” Gebru wrote on Twitter. “Starting with hosting Megan & Jeff’s gaslighting session.”

Google Howard West program faced disorganization, culture clashes
h/t Timnit Gebru @timnitGebru
“While Google never positioned the program as a job placement initiative, it was described as a “pipeline” program, and many students were surprised not to get offers for internships or jobs from the company.”

Big Tech’s Bullying Campaigns
h/t Jason Kint @jason_kint
“Faced for the first time with actual pressure from regulators and law enforcement, tech companies have responded aggressively.”

Why Is Facebook Rejecting These Fashion Ads?
h/t Miriam Vogel @VogelMiriam
“The automated intelligence systems of Instagram and Facebook have repeatedly denied ads placed by small businesses that make stylish clothing for people with disabilities.”

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