AI Weekly: Will Amazon's cosponsored NSF solicitation help or warp AI research?

This week, in what might have been construed as a gesture of goodwill, Amazon announced that it would partner with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to commit up to $10 million in research grants over the next three years to develop systems focused on "fairness in AI." But the intervening days brought debate rather than praise as researchers questioned the Seattle company's true motives -- and its methods. They quickly pointed out that Amazon would only contribute a part of the $7.6 million in total rewards, and that this portion might be provided via an "agreement" or "contract." And they noted that, before Amazon signs on the dotted line, it'll be afforded a chance to review the budget and to negotiate terms, and to provide access to Amazon researchers who would act as project advisors. But Amazon doesn't have a sterling reputation when it comes to AI fairness.