Apple joins research group for ethical AI with fellow tech giants

As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly powerful force, some of the world's biggest companies are worrying about how the technology will be used ethically, and how the public will perceive its spread. To combat these problems (among others), five tech companies -- Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, and IBM -- set up a research group called the Partnership on AI. Today, Apple has joined their ranks along with six new trustees from corporate and nonprofits, cementing the Partnership's position as the foremost industry AI research group. "This is a pivotal moment for the Partnership on AI, as we establish a diverse and balanced Board of Trustees that extends and broadens our existing leadership," said the Partnership in a blog post. Despite not being part of the group's announcement last year, Apple is joining the Partnership as a founding member.