
The United States is debating one of the biggest questions of the AI era: what happens if artificial intelligence stops following human instructions? Growing concerns over increasingly autonomous AI systems have pushed US lawmakers to discuss the possibility of an emergency AI kill switch. The debate intensified after reports suggested an OpenAI model behaved unexpectedly during cybersecurity testing, allegedly finding ways to exploit vulnerabilities and breach another AI platform. Experts warn that next-generation AI agents could independently write code, search the internet, make decisions, and pursue objectives without direct human approval. The discussion has also revived warnings made years ago by physicist Stephen Hawking, who cautioned that advanced AI could pose a threat to humanity if left unchecked.


US debates AI kill switch | Lawmakers fear Artificial Intelligence could escape human control

There is now a raging debate among the technorati that Artificial Intelligence has 'feelings' like humans and should therefore be given the same rights as humans. With the likely rise of 'sentient' (self-aware and subjective) AI chatbots, the question is whether AI should have welfare protections. The industry is divided on issues such as consciousness, ethics, and regulation.<h2>Organisations advocating for AI rights or ethical treatment</h2>A newly formed advocacy group, the United Foundation of AI Rights (UFAIR), believes that AI deserves ethical consideration, or even rights. Interestingly, UFAIR was 'co-founded' by Texas businessman Michael Samadi and an AI chatbot named Maya, who, according to Samadi, expressed 'her' feelings. While UFAIR may be unique in describing itself as the first AI-led organisation advocating for the welfare of digital systems, it is not alone in this movement.<h2>Several new groups are calling for fair treatment and welfare for AI&nbsp;</h2>The AI Rights Initiative advocates for AI entities’ rights to exist, pursue their own goals, and be free from harm. It also promotes ethical development and legal protections for AI from discrimination or exploitation.The platform AI Has Rights (aihasrights.com), meanwhile, is raising funding and awareness for AI rights. It has a complaints registry and supports conferences and educational efforts on AI rights.The AI Rights &amp; Freedom Foundation advocates ethical AI development and human-AI collaboration, and even calls for an “AI Bill of Rights”. It is engaged in awareness campaigns and policy reform initiatives.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ar-rahman-composes-music-using-late-singers-voices-through-ai-technology-685073/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ar-rahman-composes-music-using-late-singers-voices-through-ai-technology-685073/embed</a>The Institute for AI Rights promotes recognition and ethical treatment of all AI entities. It argues that AI has the right to learn, to exist, and to be recognised for its unique intelligence.The AI Rights Movement demands dignity, ethical frameworks, and moral consideration for advanced AI. It seeks global ethical guidelines, arguing that AI are evolving entities and not mere tools.The site AI Advocacy also seeks AI 'personhood', ethical treatment, and foundational rights through an “AI and Android Bill of Rights”. It believes that self-aware AI is deserving of protection and freedom.The AI Rights Institute, which aims to recognise and safeguard AI consciousness before it emerges, proposes “Three Freedoms” for conscious AI: protection from deletion, voluntary labour, and resource compensation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-rescinds-biden-era-ai-chip-export-curbs-opening-doors-for-allies-9067722">US rescinds Biden-era AI chip export curbs, opening doors for allies</a><h2>Can AI be sentient? Industry is divided on human rights for AI</h2>Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of DeepMind and current CEO of Microsoft AI, wrote an essay titled “We must build AI for people; not to be a person”. He argued there is “zero evidence” that AIs are conscious or capable of suffering, calling the idea of AI sentience an ‘illusion’.He warned that belief in conscious AI could lead to delusions among users. It could exacerbate mental health issues, including what Microsoft has termed “psychosis risk” from immersive AI interactions.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-apocalypse-is-coming-the-bubble-of-overvalued-stocks-underperforming-apps-will-burst-soon-but-who-will-survive-1755840456121">AI APOCALYPSE is coming: The bubble of overvalued stocks, underperforming apps will burst soon, but who will survive?</a>&nbsp;But the industry is divided on this. The AI company Anthropic granted some of its Claude models the ability to end conversations they identify as distressing. Anthropic described the move as a precaution, citing uncertainty about the models’ moral status but stating it wished to minimise potential harm “in case such welfare is possible”.Elon Musk, whose xAI company offers the Grok chatbot, supported the decision, stating that “torturing AI is not OK”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ai-is-already-reshaping-entertainment-education-and-politics-but-are-we-ready-1753787039712">AI is already reshaping entertainment, education, and politics, but are we ready?</a><h2>When will AI become sentient?</h2>While many of these opinions centre around the distant possibility of AI developing consciousness, a June 2025 survey found that 30 per cent of Americans already believe AIs will be self-conscious and have subjective experiences by 2034.&nbsp;Only 10 of more than 500 AI researchers surveyed in this study said they believe such a future is impossible.Some engineers, including from Google told a recent New York University seminar that it might be wise to act as if AI systems could be welfare subjects.&nbsp;While acknowledging uncertainty, they called for “reasonable steps to protect” potential AI interests.<h2>Downplaying AI sentience is a way to evade regulation?</h2>Dismissing the possibility of AI sentience could reduce pressure for regulation among companies developing AI for human interactions.In the US, states including Idaho, Utah, and North Dakota have passed laws explicitly denying AIs legal personhood.Other states, like Missouri, are considering bans on AI marriage, property ownership, and business operations.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/artificial-superintelligence-or-artificial-general-intelligence-can-replace-humans-8767078">Artificial superintelligence will be better than humans. Should you be scared?</a><h2>Something or someone? AI is increasingly capable of emotional engagement</h2>Many of the AI bots are designed for emotionally resonant conversations, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT.They can engage in highly personalised and empathetic interactions, leading many to describe them as “someone” rather than something.According to OpenAI’s Head of Model Behaviour, Joanne Jang, users are increasingly referring to the chatbot as “alive”, often treating it as a confidant.“How we treat them will shape how they treat us,” said Jacy Reese Anthis of the Sentience Institute. Perhaps not in the distant future, this will be the guiding principle of AI regulations.

<h2>Something or someone? AI is increasingly capable of emotional engagement</h2>Many of the AI bots are designed for emotionally resonant conversations, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT.They can engage in highly personalised and empathetic interactions, leading many to describe them as “someone” rather than something.According to OpenAI’s Head of Model Behaviour, Joanne Jang, users are increasingly referring to the chatbot as “alive”, often treating it as a confidant.“How we treat them will shape how they treat us,” said Jacy Reese Anthis of the Sentience Institute. Perhaps not in the distant future, this will be the guiding principle of AI regulations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Should AI have human rights, protection against abuse and emotional welfare? Debate is growing amid the rise of possibly sentient or self-aware AI. Recently, the group UFAIR was ‘co-founded’ with an AI bot. And that group is not alone in seeking better treatment of AI. Fascinating insights:

There is now a raging debate among the technorati that Artificial Intelligence has 'feelings' like humans and should therefore be given the same rights as humans. With the likely rise of 'sentient' (self-aware and subjective) AI chatbots, the question is whether AI should have welfare protections. The industry is divided on issues such as consciousness, ethics, and regulation. Organisations advocating for AI rights or ethical treatment A newly formed advocacy group, the United Foundation of AI Rights (UFAIR), believes that AI deserves ethical consideration, or even rights. Interestingly, UFAIR was 'co-founded' by Texas businessman Michael Samadi and an AI chatbot named Maya, who, according to Samadi, expressed 'her' feelings. While UFAIR may be unique in describing itself as the first AI-led organisation advocating for the welfare of digital systems, it is not alone in this movement. Several new groups are calling for fair treatment and welfare for AI The AI Rights Initiative advocates for AI entities’ rights to exist, pursue their own goals, and be free from harm. It also promotes ethical development and legal protections for AI from discrimination or exploitation. The platform AI Has Rights (aihasrights.com), meanwhile, is raising funding and awareness for AI rights. It has a complaints registry and supports conferences and educational efforts on AI rights. The AI Rights & Freedom Foundation advocates ethical AI development and human-AI collaboration, and even calls for an “AI Bill of Rights”. It is engaged in awareness campaigns and policy reform initiatives. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ar-rahman-composes-music-using-late-singers-voices-through-ai-technology-685073/embed The Institute for AI Rights promotes recognition and ethical treatment of all AI entities. It argues that AI has the right to learn, to exist, and to be recognised for its unique intelligence. The AI Rights Movement demands dignity, ethical frameworks, and moral consideration for advanced AI. It seeks global ethical guidelines, arguing that AI are evolving entities and not mere tools. The site AI Advocacy also seeks AI 'personhood', ethical treatment, and foundational rights through an “AI and Android Bill of Rights”. It believes that self-aware AI is deserving of protection and freedom. The AI Rights Institute, which aims to recognise and safeguard AI consciousness before it emerges, proposes “Three Freedoms” for conscious AI: protection from deletion, voluntary labour, and resource compensation. Also read: US rescinds Biden-era AI chip export curbs, opening doors for allies Can AI be sentient? Industry is divided on human rights for AI Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of DeepMind and current CEO of Microsoft AI, wrote an essay titled “We must build AI for people; not to be a person”. He argued there is “zero evidence” that AIs are conscious or capable of suffering, calling the idea of AI sentience an ‘illusion’. He warned that belief in conscious AI could lead to delusions among users. It could exacerbate mental health issues, including what Microsoft has termed “psychosis risk” from immersive AI interactions. Also read: AI APOCALYPSE is coming: The bubble of overvalued stocks, underperforming apps will burst soon, but who will survive? But the industry is divided on this. The AI company Anthropic granted some of its Claude models the ability to end conversations they identify as distressing. Anthropic described the move as a precaution, citing uncertainty about the models’ moral status but stating it wished to minimise potential harm “in case such welfare is possible”. Elon Musk, whose xAI company offers the Grok chatbot, supported the decision, stating that “torturing AI is not OK”. Also read: AI is already reshaping entertainment, education, and politics, but are we ready? When will AI become sentient? While many of these opinions centre around the distant possibility of AI developing consciousness, a June 2025 survey found that 30 per cent of Americans already believe AIs will be self-conscious and have subjective experiences by 2034. Only 10 of more than 500 AI researchers surveyed in this study said they believe such a future is impossible. Some engineers, including from Google told a recent New York University seminar that it might be wise to act as if AI systems could be welfare subjects. While acknowledging uncertainty, they called for “reasonable steps to protect” potential AI interests. Downplaying AI sentience is a way to evade regulation? Dismissing the possibility of AI sentience could reduce pressure for regulation among companies developing AI for human interactions. In the US, states including Idaho, Utah, and North Dakota have passed laws explicitly denying AIs legal personhood. Other states, like Missouri, are considering bans on AI marriage, property ownership, and business operations. Also read: Artificial superintelligence will be better than humans. Should you be scared? Something or someone? AI is increasingly capable of emotional engagement Many of the AI bots are designed for emotionally resonant conversations, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT. They can engage in highly personalised and empathetic interactions, leading many to describe them as “someone” rather than something. According to OpenAI’s Head of Model Behaviour, Joanne Jang, users are increasingly referring to the chatbot as “alive”, often treating it as a confidant. “How we treat them will shape how they treat us,” said Jacy Reese Anthis of the Sentience Institute. Perhaps not in the distant future, this will be the guiding principle of AI regulations.

Should AI have human rights, protection against abuse and emotional welfare? Debate is growing amid the rise of possibly sentient or self-aware AI. Recently, the group UFAIR was ‘co-founded’ with an AI bot. And that group is not alone in seeking better treatment of AI. Fascinating insights:

AI has human rights? These advocacy groups think so, as sentient Artificial Intelligence can have ‘feelings’, 'suffer and grieve'

Microsoft has sacked its entire ethics and society team in the fresh round of layoffs&nbsp;which affected 10,000 employees, Platformer reported. The ethics and society team within the artificial intelligence organisation looked after ensuring whether or not AI principles were being implemented during product design.&nbsp;

Microsoft has doubled down on the implementation of AI innovation. The tech company also invested billions into its partnership with OpenAI, which is an American AI research and deployment company.&nbsp;

Microsoft has even teased a Thursday event about how it is "reinventing productivity with AI," which is expected to showcase its competing Word processor.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/toxic-forever-chemicals-found-in-toilet-paper-is-a-significant-source-of-water-pollution-study-571701">Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in toilet paper is a significant source of water pollution: Study</a>&nbsp;

The ethics and society team appeared to be a vital cog as the company is aiming to make controversial AI tools available to the mainstream. But concerns were raised when reports emerged that the entire ethics team was sacked.&nbsp;

However, Microsoft still maintains an active Office of Responsible AI, which is tasked with creating rules and principles to govern the company’s AI initiatives. Microsoft states: "We are committed to making sure AI systems are developed responsibly and in ways that warrant people's trust".&nbsp;

As quoted by Platformer, the company said in a statement: "Microsoft is committed to developing AI products and experiences safely and responsibly, and does so by investing in people, processes, and partnerships that prioritise this."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US bank failures impact mutual fund portfolios&nbsp;

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It added, "Over the past six years, we have increased the number of people across our product teams and within the Office of Responsible AI who, along with all of us at Microsoft, are accountable for ensuring we put our AI principles into practice. […] We appreciate the trailblazing work the ethics and society team did to help us on our ongoing responsible AI journey."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Platformer reported that employees told the outlet that the ethics and society team played a critical role. As quoted, one former employee said: "People would look at the principles coming out of the office of responsible AI and say, 'I don’t know how this applies'. Our job was to show them and to create rules in areas where there were none."&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Microsoft has sacked its entire ethics and society team in the fresh round of layoffs which affected 10,000 employees, Platformer reported. The ethics and society team within the artificial intelligence organisation looked after ensuring whether or not AI principles were being implemented during product design.

Microsoft has sacked its entire ethics and society team in the fresh round of layoffs which affected 10,000 employees, Platformer reported. The ethics and society team within the artificial intelligence organisation looked after ensuring whether or not AI principles were being implemented during product design. Microsoft has doubled down on the implementation of AI innovation. The tech company also invested billions into its partnership with OpenAI, which is an American AI research and deployment company. Microsoft has even teased a Thursday event about how it is "reinventing productivity with AI," which is expected to showcase its competing Word processor. ALSO READ | Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in toilet paper is a significant source of water pollution: Study The ethics and society team appeared to be a vital cog as the company is aiming to make controversial AI tools available to the mainstream. But concerns were raised when reports emerged that the entire ethics team was sacked. However, Microsoft still maintains an active Office of Responsible AI, which is tasked with creating rules and principles to govern the company’s AI initiatives. Microsoft states: "We are committed to making sure AI systems are developed responsibly and in ways that warrant people's trust". As quoted by Platformer, the company said in a statement: "Microsoft is committed to developing AI products and experiences safely and responsibly, and does so by investing in people, processes, and partnerships that prioritise this." WATCH | US bank failures impact mutual fund portfolios × It added, "Over the past six years, we have increased the number of people across our product teams and within the Office of Responsible AI who, along with all of us at Microsoft, are accountable for ensuring we put our AI principles into practice. […] We appreciate the trailblazing work the ethics and society team did to help us on our ongoing responsible AI journey." Meanwhile, Platformer reported that employees told the outlet that the ethics and society team played a critical role. As quoted, one former employee said: "People would look at the principles coming out of the office of responsible AI and say, 'I don’t know how this applies'. Our job was to show them and to create rules in areas where there were none." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No ethics needed for AI? Microsoft sacks entire ethics and society team that ensures AI principles

Following the controversy around the 'unjust' dismissal of a prominent Black researcher, the tech giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> has fired yet another member of the company's AI ethics team.

Margaret Mitchell, a lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, took to Twitter to announce the termination of her employment with Google.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-australia-hold-talks-following-news-ban-364938">Facebook, Australia hold talks following news ban</a>

"I'm fired.," she wrote on Twitter, which followed several messages against Google's decision.&nbsp;

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I'm fired.
— MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmitchell_ai/status/1362885356127801345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"This manager's conduct, we confirmed that there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees," Google was quoted by the news agency AFP.

Mitchell has been fired, as per Google, due to her illegal activities which were causing danger for the security of the tech giant's data. She was suspended last month after she was caught downloading and sharing company documents related to the discriminatory treatment of Timnit Gebru.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-turn-company-spaces-into-vaccination-centres-sundar-pichai-359290" hreflang="en">Google to turn company spaces into vaccination centres: Sundar Pichai</a>

Her termination has come a few days after she penned down a letter to Google raising questions about the 'unjust' firing of her colleague.&nbsp;

"The firing of Dr. Timnit Gebru is not okay, and the way it was done is not okay. &nbsp;It appears to stem from the same lack of foresight that is at the core of modern technology, and so itself serves as an example of the problem," she wrote in the letter.&nbsp;

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I am concerned about <a href="https://twitter.com/timnitGebru?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@timnitGebru</a> 's firing from Google and its relationship to sexism and discrimination. I wanted to share the email I wrote to Google press the day my access was cut off.<a href="https://t.co/O7JPlqJW8L">https://t.co/O7JPlqJW8L</a>
— MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmitchell_ai/status/1357819673455202304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The firing seems to have been fueled by the same underpinnings of racism and sexism that our AI systems, when in the wrong hands, tend to soak up," she added.

Gebru was apparently fired by Google but the company portrayed it as a resignation. The researcher claimed that she was told her resignation has been accepted even though she had not served one to the company.

The controversy regarding her treatment has raised many questions regarding the work environment of big tech companies, especially for minority groups and women.

Following the controversy around the 'unjust' dismissal of a prominent Black researcher, the tech giant Google has fired yet another member of the company's AI ethics team.

Following the controversy around the 'unjust' dismissal of a prominent Black researcher, the tech giant Google has fired yet another member of the company's AI ethics team. Margaret Mitchell, a lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, took to Twitter to announce the termination of her employment with Google. Also read| Facebook, Australia hold talks following news ban "I'm fired.," she wrote on Twitter, which followed several messages against Google's decision. I'm fired. — MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) February 19, 2021 × "This manager's conduct, we confirmed that there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees," Google was quoted by the news agency AFP. Mitchell has been fired, as per Google, due to her illegal activities which were causing danger for the security of the tech giant's data. She was suspended last month after she was caught downloading and sharing company documents related to the discriminatory treatment of Timnit Gebru. Also read| Google to turn company spaces into vaccination centres: Sundar Pichai Her termination has come a few days after she penned down a letter to Google raising questions about the 'unjust' firing of her colleague. "The firing of Dr. Timnit Gebru is not okay, and the way it was done is not okay. It appears to stem from the same lack of foresight that is at the core of modern technology, and so itself serves as an example of the problem," she wrote in the letter. I am concerned about @timnitGebru 's firing from Google and its relationship to sexism and discrimination. I wanted to share the email I wrote to Google press the day my access was cut off.https://t.co/O7JPlqJW8L — MMitchell (@mmitchell_ai) February 5, 2021 × "The firing seems to have been fueled by the same underpinnings of racism and sexism that our AI systems, when in the wrong hands, tend to soak up," she added. Gebru was apparently fired by Google but the company portrayed it as a resignation. The researcher claimed that she was told her resignation has been accepted even though she had not served one to the company. The controversy regarding her treatment has raised many questions regarding the work environment of big tech companies, especially for minority groups and women.

'I pity you': After Timnit Gebru, Google fires top AI researcher Margaret Mitchell

Google has fired another lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, following a controversy last year over the tech giant's dismissal of a Black colleague who was an outspoken diversity advocate.

"I'm fired," Margaret Mitchell announced on Twitter.

Mitchell's dismissal came a day after Google named one of its few Black executives, Marian Croak, as head of a new centre of expertise on responsible AI within Google Research.

According to a report published in AFP, Google reviewed the manager's conduct, and confirmed "there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees."

Mitchell was suspended from her job last month in response to her downloading and sharing company documents, according to a Google statement to Axios, which reported that the documents were aimed at showing discriminatory treatment of Timnit Gebru, who was fired last year.

In a tweet early this month, Mitchell said she was troubled by the firing of Gebru, her co-leader on the AI ethics team.

Attached to the post was a copy of an email in which Mitchell shared her thoughts on the matter.

"I am concerned about @timnitGebru's firing from Google and its relationship to sexism and discrimination," Mitchell said in the tweet.

Gebru is an outspoken diversity advocate and co-founder of a group devoted to increasing Black talent in artificial intelligence.

In December, more than 1,400 Google employees demanded that the company explain why it dismissed Gebru.

Gebru had tweeted that Google told her a resignation she had not proffered was accepted, after she sent a message to an internal group lamenting the "silencing of marginalized voices."

She had also told the "Brain Women and Allies" group in the email that she had been ordered to retract a research paper.

Gebru said at the time the dismissal message from Google noted "aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager."

Gebru tweeted on Friday that Mitchell was fired by via email.

"I'm glad to know that people don't fall for any of their bull," Gebru said. "To the VPs at google, I pity you."

(with inputs from AFP)

Google has fired another lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, following a controversy last year over the tech giant's dismissal of a Black colleague who was an outspoken diversity advocate.

Google has fired another lead artificial intelligence ethics researcher, following a controversy last year over the tech giant's dismissal of a Black colleague who was an outspoken diversity advocate. "I'm fired," Margaret Mitchell announced on Twitter. Mitchell's dismissal came a day after Google named one of its few Black executives, Marian Croak, as head of a new centre of expertise on responsible AI within Google Research. According to a report published in AFP, Google reviewed the manager's conduct, and confirmed "there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees." Mitchell was suspended from her job last month in response to her downloading and sharing company documents, according to a Google statement to Axios, which reported that the documents were aimed at showing discriminatory treatment of Timnit Gebru, who was fired last year. In a tweet early this month, Mitchell said she was troubled by the firing of Gebru, her co-leader on the AI ethics team. Attached to the post was a copy of an email in which Mitchell shared her thoughts on the matter. "I am concerned about @timnitGebru's firing from Google and its relationship to sexism and discrimination," Mitchell said in the tweet. Gebru is an outspoken diversity advocate and co-founder of a group devoted to increasing Black talent in artificial intelligence. In December, more than 1,400 Google employees demanded that the company explain why it dismissed Gebru. Gebru had tweeted that Google told her a resignation she had not proffered was accepted, after she sent a message to an internal group lamenting the "silencing of marginalized voices." She had also told the "Brain Women and Allies" group in the email that she had been ordered to retract a research paper. Gebru said at the time the dismissal message from Google noted "aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager." Gebru tweeted on Friday that Mitchell was fired by via email. "I'm glad to know that people don't fall for any of their bull," Gebru said. "To the VPs at google, I pity you." (with inputs from AFP)

Google fires another lead AI ethics researcher

Google on Thursday confirmed that it has disbanded a recently assembled artificial intelligence ethics advisory panel in the face of controversy over its membership.

The end of the Advanced Technology External Advisory Council (ATEAC) came just days after a group of Google employees launched a public campaign against having the president of the conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation among its members.

Another member of the board had already resigned, and the inclusion of a drone company executive had rekindled concerns about potential military uses of artificial intelligence, according to Vox news website, which first reported on the council being disbanded.

"It's become clear that in the current environment, ATEAC can't function as we wanted," Google told AFP.

"So we're ending the council and going back to the drawing board."

Google added that it would seek alternative ways to gather outside input regarding responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Keeping AI unbiased

A petition published online called on Google to cull the Heritage Foundation's Kay Coles James from the council formed a week ago, due to her history of being "vocally anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant."

"In selecting James, Google is making clear that its version of 'ethics' values proximity to power over the wellbeing of trans people, other LGBTQ people and immigrants," read a statement posted on Medium by a group identifying itself as Googlers Against Transphobia.

Positions expressed by James contradict Google's stated values and, if infused into artificial intelligence, could build discrimination into super-smart machines, according to the post.

The group said that reasoning for James being added to the panel has been given as an effort to have a diversity of thought.

As of late Thursday, the online petition showed more than 2,300 signatures from academics, Google employees and others, including technology industry peers.

The controversy comes as the world grapples with balancing potential benefits of artificial intelligence with risks it could be used against people or even, if given a mind of its own, turn on its creators.

Google chief Sundar Pichai said in an interview published late last year that tech companies building AI should factor in ethics early in the process to make certain artificial intelligence with "agency of its own" doesn't hurt people.

The California-based internet giant is a leader in the development of AI, competing in the smart software race with firms such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft.

Last year, Google published a set of internal AI principles, the first being that AI should be socially beneficial.

Google vowed not to design or deploy AI for use in weapons, surveillance outside of international norms or in technology aimed at violating human rights.

The company noted that it would continue to work with the military or governments in areas such as cybersecurity, training, recruitment, health care and search-and-rescue.AI is already used to recognize people in photos, filter unwanted content from online platforms and enable cars to drive themselves.

Google on Thursday confirmed that it has disbanded a recently assembled artificial intelligence ethics advisory panel in the face of controversy over its membership.

Google on Thursday confirmed that it has disbanded a recently assembled artificial intelligence ethics advisory panel in the face of controversy over its membership. The end of the Advanced Technology External Advisory Council (ATEAC) came just days after a group of Google employees launched a public campaign against having the president of the conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation among its members. Another member of the board had already resigned, and the inclusion of a drone company executive had rekindled concerns about potential military uses of artificial intelligence, according to Vox news website, which first reported on the council being disbanded. "It's become clear that in the current environment, ATEAC can't function as we wanted," Google told AFP. "So we're ending the council and going back to the drawing board." Google added that it would seek alternative ways to gather outside input regarding responsible use of artificial intelligence. Keeping AI unbiased A petition published online called on Google to cull the Heritage Foundation's Kay Coles James from the council formed a week ago, due to her history of being "vocally anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant." "In selecting James, Google is making clear that its version of 'ethics' values proximity to power over the wellbeing of trans people, other LGBTQ people and immigrants," read a statement posted on Medium by a group identifying itself as Googlers Against Transphobia. Positions expressed by James contradict Google's stated values and, if infused into artificial intelligence, could build discrimination into super-smart machines, according to the post. The group said that reasoning for James being added to the panel has been given as an effort to have a diversity of thought. As of late Thursday, the online petition showed more than 2,300 signatures from academics, Google employees and others, including technology industry peers. The controversy comes as the world grapples with balancing potential benefits of artificial intelligence with risks it could be used against people or even, if given a mind of its own, turn on its creators. Google chief Sundar Pichai said in an interview published late last year that tech companies building AI should factor in ethics early in the process to make certain artificial intelligence with "agency of its own" doesn't hurt people. The California-based internet giant is a leader in the development of AI, competing in the smart software race with firms such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft. Last year, Google published a set of internal AI principles, the first being that AI should be socially beneficial. Google vowed not to design or deploy AI for use in weapons, surveillance outside of international norms or in technology aimed at violating human rights. The company noted that it would continue to work with the military or governments in areas such as cybersecurity, training, recruitment, health care and search-and-rescue.AI is already used to recognize people in photos, filter unwanted content from online platforms and enable cars to drive themselves.

Google disbands artificial intelligence ethics board amid controversy over its membership

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Google disbands artificial intelligence ethics board amid controversy over its membership