Google Fires Ethical AI Lead Mitchell Amid Ongoing Diversity Turmoil
Google dismisses Ethical AI lead Margaret Mitchell following a five-week investigation into security policy violations, just months after the controversial firing of her co-lead Timnit Gebru.
Google fires Margaret Mitchell, the lead of its Ethical AI team, after a five-week internal investigation. The company states that Mitchell violates its code of conduct and security policies by exfiltrating confidential business documents and private employee data. This dismissal occurs just hours after Google AI chief Jeff Dean issues an apology for the earlier firing of former co-lead Timnit Gebru.
Mitchell, a Google employee since 2016, expresses confusion and hurt over the sudden termination. She remains a member of the recently formed Alphabet Workers Union, a group that Gebru suggests provides necessary protection against corporate retaliation for AI researchers. Just before her own investigation begins, Mitchell calls Google's decision to fire Gebru a "really, really, really terrible decision."
This leadership shakeup accompanies a major restructuring of Google's AI ethics efforts, placing ten teams under VP Marian Croak. Croak calls for more diplomatic conversations regarding AI harms, but team members report learning about the restructure through the press rather than internal communication. These personnel changes coincide with new diversity policies that tie diversity, equity, and inclusion goals to performance evaluations for vice presidents and above.