Global Big Data Conference

One year after her controversial exit from Alphabet's Google, AI scientist Timnit Gebru launches small lab to continue her research The former Google computer scientist whose controversial exit from the search engine giant this time last year, has resurfaced in a new role. Reuters has reported that Timnit Gebru on Thursday revealed she has launched a small lab to continue her research work freely. Indeed, the Distributed AI Research Institute has reportedly raised $3.7 million so far, and aims to critically study services from big tech companies, as well as propose AI-based solutions to issues such as food insecurity and climate change, Gebru reportedly said. The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) joins a number of other projects such as the Algorithmic Justice League that are advancing ethical use of AI. For many years now critics have worried about the ethical use and safeguards for AI and facial recognition systems, along with credit scoring, which could lead to mass surveillance and racial discrimination.