Google, one of the leading technology companies in the world, has long emphasized the importance of developing artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly. However, recent changes within the company’s internal AI ethics watchdog, known as the Responsible Innovation team or RESIN, have raised concerns among employees about whether Google can truly live up to its goals. This article explores the restructuring of RESIN and the potential implications for Google’s commitment to responsible AI development.
The Role of RESIN
RESIN, located within the Office of Compliance and Integrity in Google’s global affairs division, has been responsible for reviewing internal projects and ensuring their compliance with Google’s AI principles. These principles define the rules for the development and use of AI technology within the company. Last year alone, RESIN conducted over 500 reviews, playing a crucial role in Google’s pursuit of generative AI.
Unexpectedly, RESIN’s leader and founder, Jen Gennai, director of responsible innovation, left her role. This departure has raised questions about the future of RESIN and its ability to continue effectively fulfilling its responsibilities. Gennai’s LinkedIn profile now lists her as an AI ethics and compliance adviser at Google, suggesting she may be leaving the company soon, as previous departures from Google have played out in similar ways.
In response to Gennai’s departure, Google split RESIN’s team of approximately 30 people into two groups. Some members remained in place, while others were transferred to the trust and safety team within the global affairs division. It is unclear how responsibilities will be divided and how future reviews of AI projects will be handled. While no layoffs have been reported, employees expressed uncertainty regarding the changes and the impact on RESIN’s work in the future.
Google’s Perspective on the Restructuring
According to Brian Gabriel, a company spokesperson, the restructuring signifies Google’s commitment to responsible AI development. He states that the changes align the responsible AI team more closely with the trust and safety efforts that are already present within Google’s product reviews and plans. Gabriel emphasizes that this realignment will strengthen and expand Google’s responsible innovation work across the entire company.
The restructuring of RESIN raises questions about Google’s dedication to responsible AI development. While other teams and individuals within Google continue to work on AI oversight, RESIN has been the most prominent and encompassed all of Google’s core services. With the departure of Gennai and another influential member, Sara Tangdall, there is uncertainty about the future direction and effectiveness of RESIN.
Google faces the challenge of maintaining momentum in responsible AI development without disrupting ongoing projects and initiatives. The company’s commitment to using AI for the benefit of people and avoiding its use for harmful purposes, such as weaponization or human rights violations, remains crucial. The AI principles introduced after the protests against the Project Maven Pentagon contract provided a framework for ethical AI development at Google, and RESIN played a vital role in enforcing these principles.
The Importance of Responsible AI
Responsible AI development is crucial for preventing unethical practices, such as biased algorithms and deepfakes. Early reviews of AI systems, as advocated by Gennai, could help uncover and mitigate potential ethical breaches and reduce harm caused by unfair biases. Transparency, security, and the elimination of harmful applications are essential for building trust among users and stakeholders.
Google’s restructuring of its internal AI ethics watchdog, RESIN, raises concerns about the company’s commitment to responsible AI development. The departure of key leaders and the reassignment of team members indicate a significant shift in Google’s approach to ensuring ethical AI projects within the company. Maintaining responsible AI principles and practices is essential for safeguarding Google’s reputation and building trust among its users and partners. The future of RESIN and Google’s ability to live up to its AI development goals remain uncertain, requiring careful monitoring and evaluation.
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