Google Overhauls Paper Review Process After Internal Employee Uproar
Google Revises Paper Review Process After Internal Backlash
Google is overhauling its approach to reviewing research papers following significant dissatisfaction among its employees regarding the company’s handling of sensitive topics. This change comes in the wake of the controversial dismissal of esteemed AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru in December 2020. Gebru had publicly criticized Google’s practices, specifically alleging that the company suppresses publications that may reflect poorly on its operations.
In her most recent paper, Gebru raised concerns about the implications of large language models, questioning their potential to exacerbate bias and inequalities. After her termination, Jeff Dean, head of Google Research, addressed the situation in an email, explaining that the paper in question was shared with insufficient notice for a comprehensive internal review, which typically requires two weeks.
Dean indicated that the paper was submitted without awaiting reviewer feedback and was later deemed unsuitable for publication. However, many employees were frustrated with this explanation, especially since prominent AI researchers left the company due to Gebru’s dismissal and similar incidents. A group of former colleagues publicly supported Gebru, demanding that Google uphold its commitment to research integrity.
The situation worsened when Google recently fired another ethical AI lead, Margaret Mitchell, who was also highly respected within the organization. Google cited violations of its code of conduct and security policies as the reason for her termination, including claims related to the unauthorized sharing of sensitive documents. This has led to skepticism among employees about the company’s motives.
In light of these events, Google has started addressing the criticism, with executives acknowledging the need for changes. During a staff meeting captured by Reuters, they expressed intentions to clarify the sensitive topics review process, which has affected multiple AI papers. Senior Research Director Zoubin Ghahramani has been tasked with implementing these changes, emphasizing the importance of being comfortable with challenging subjects in research.
Google’s sensitive topics review encompasses research relevant to bias, military use, and political context, which has allegedly led to unnecessary modifications of numerous papers. While Ghahramani’s assurances may pacify some dissenters, many remain cautious, focusing on the need for tangible actions rather than mere words.
In response to the ongoing controversies, employees continue to voice their discontent regarding leadership decisions, revealing a growing divide within the company. The path forward for Google’s research community remains uncertain as it seeks to restore trust among its workforce.
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