Last week Friday, 5 April, just two and a half weeks after its launch, Google shut down its global advisory council (ATEAC) which was designed to oversee ethical issues related to artificial intelligence.
Founded to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence and related technology (think machine learning, facial recognition etc.), the advisory board came under immediate fire with concerns over some of the appointed members.
The most prevalent outcry came from Google employees over the appointment of Kay Coles James; thousands of employees signed a petition calling for her removal over what was described as her “anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-immigrant” comments. Concerns were also voiced about the inclusion of CEO Dyan Gibbens, with the worry being Google AI would be used for military applications.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, board member Professor Alessandro Acquisiti resigned, and tweeted his explanation, saying he “[doesn’t] believe this is the right forum for me to engage in this important work”.
In a statement about why Google dissolved the council, a Google spokesperson told the BBC, “It’s become clear that in the current environment, ATEAC can’t function as we wanted”.
What is important to remember in this situation is that the idea of having such an advisory council WAS appreciated – it was the members of the Council that were felt to be inappropriate for this role.
Coincidentally, on the same day that this news broke, ESOMAR was invited to nominate a representative on a similar, cross-industry body being facilitated by the European Union. More news to follow as ESOMAR becomes involved with this project!
