Google AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru fired after criticizing diversity efforts
In a recent development at Google, Timnit Gebru, a top scientist specializing in ethical artificial intelligence, was fired after expressing frustration over the company’s diversity efforts. Gebru, who is Black, co-founded the nonprofit Black in AI and has been a vocal advocate for increasing representation of people of color in the field of artificial intelligence.
The incident unfolded when Gebru sent an email to colleagues questioning the gender diversity within Google’s AI unit and raising concerns about the scrutiny her work faced compared to that of individuals from different backgrounds. She also co-authored a groundbreaking paper on bias in facial analysis technology.
Google’s head of AI, Jeff Dean, stated in an email to staff that Gebru had threatened to resign unless she was informed about which colleagues deemed her draft paper unpublishable, a demand that Dean rejected. Ultimately, Gebru was fired, leading to an outpouring of support from over 150 employees who demanded that Google strengthen its commitment to academic freedom.
The abrupt departure of Gebru has reignited discussions about diversity and inclusion within Google, with many questioning the company’s efforts to address these issues. The incident comes on the heels of a complaint by the National Labor Relations Board accusing Google of unlawfully monitoring and firing workers who were organizing a union.
Despite the controversy surrounding her departure, Gebru’s work continues to be highly regarded in the field of artificial intelligence. Her upcoming paper, co-authored with non-Google staff, is set to be presented at a computer science conference in March.
The incident has sparked outrage among advocates for diversity and inclusion, with many expressing their support for Gebru and criticizing Google’s handling of the situation. The company has yet to comment further on the matter, beyond Dean’s email addressing Gebru’s departure.
As the tech industry grapples with issues of diversity and inclusion, the firing of Timnit Gebru serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the field of artificial intelligence.