Artificial Intelligence: Microsoft Reportedly Lays Off Its AI Ethics Team
The news of the Microsoft layoffs is attributed to the Platformer.
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has reportedly laid off its entire ethics and society team that was tasked for the ethical and responsible development of its artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The layoffs are part of a recent restructuring that affected almost 10,000 employees, and come as the company makes a determined effort to successfully integrate AI into its market-laggard Bing search engine, according to a report attributed to Platformer.
While Microsoft claims to be increasing its overall investment in responsible AI work, it is unclear from its statement whether the ethics team were among those that were let go. The tech giant has also faced criticism after integrating its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, with Bing search engine, with some users alleging that it indulged in disruptive and inappropriate behavior. The company has since rolled out restrictions to eliminate this behavior and offered users the option to customize the tone of their chat. (Independent)
“Microsoft is committed to developing AI products and experiences safely and responsibly, and does so by investing in people, processes, and partnerships that prioritize this,” the company said in a statement.
“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 & Society did to help us on our ongoing responsible AI journey,” the company added.
Related Story: After Users Flag Creepy Interactions With The New Bing, Microsoft Mulling Tweaks
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