Timnit Gebru, AI researcher fired by Google thinks a new law is needed

Born to Eritrean parents in Ethiopia, Gebru spoke with The Associated Press recently about how poorly Big Tech's AI priorities -- and its AI-fueled social media platforms -- serve Africa and elsewhere. The new institute focuses on AI research from the perspective of the places and people most likely to experience its harms. She's also co-founder of the group Black in AI, which promotes Black employment and leadership in the field. And she's known for co-authoring a landmark 2018 study that found racial and gender bias in facial recognition software. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.