AI diversity groups snub future funding from Google over staff treatment

Google's AI ethics drama has taken another twist. Three groups working to promote diversity in AI say they will no longer accept funding from the search giant after a series of controversial firings at the company. Queer in AI, Black in AI, and Widening NLP cited the dismissals of Timnit Gebru and Margaret, the former co-leads of Google's Ethical AI team, as well as recruiter April Christina Curley, as reasons for the decision. In a joint statement issued on Monday, the groups said Google's actions had "inflicted tremendous harm" and "set a dangerous precedent for what type of research, advocacy, and retaliation is permissible in our community." Until Google addresses the harm they've caused by undermining both inclusion and critical research, we are unable to reconcile Google's actions with our organizational missions.We have therefore decided to end our sponsorship relationship with Google.