And what qualifies anyone to be an 'AI ethicist' anyhow?
This is a heavy question - it's problematically like elevating an individuals personal moral position, with all their little trivial baggage to something more than it is.
The challenge with these roles is very real: self awareness, objectivity, and processes for arriving at that are probably key. I suggest it would require a lot of engagement, feedback, possibly legal knowledge, reference etc..
AI credibility aside, the individuals chosen by Google previously were not remotely up for the job on a professional level, this was apparent from their public posture and even writing skills, and that's not slander, it's hard job.
As the OP indicates, some degree of objectivity as well, which may be difficult from within the company.
Finally, I would say it's entirely doubtful if AI requires it's own special branch of ethics. Everything Google does touches on ethical issues, and 'plain old search' much more so than perhaps anything else - certainly more than any of their core AI. It's a business and technology issue, not an AI issue. It just may require some insight from those familiar with the company.
All of that said, Google may lose the 'PR cover' of having a woman or PoC in the driver's seat.
While I don’t personally think her race or gender should matter, the new head of their AI ethics org is Marion Croak, so they’ll retain the PR cover you’re describing.
This is a heavy question - it's problematically like elevating an individuals personal moral position, with all their little trivial baggage to something more than it is.
The challenge with these roles is very real: self awareness, objectivity, and processes for arriving at that are probably key. I suggest it would require a lot of engagement, feedback, possibly legal knowledge, reference etc..
AI credibility aside, the individuals chosen by Google previously were not remotely up for the job on a professional level, this was apparent from their public posture and even writing skills, and that's not slander, it's hard job.
As the OP indicates, some degree of objectivity as well, which may be difficult from within the company.
Finally, I would say it's entirely doubtful if AI requires it's own special branch of ethics. Everything Google does touches on ethical issues, and 'plain old search' much more so than perhaps anything else - certainly more than any of their core AI. It's a business and technology issue, not an AI issue. It just may require some insight from those familiar with the company.
All of that said, Google may lose the 'PR cover' of having a woman or PoC in the driver's seat.