When Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, communicated the company’s priorities for 2024 to employees via email this month, the focus on developing AI responsibly stood out as the top agenda item. Following this announcement, some employees are questioning whether Google will be able to meet this ambitious goal. The team responsible for overseeing internal AI ethics, known as RESIN (Responsible Innovation), has undergone significant changes, including the departure of its leader and a restructuring process, as reported by four individuals familiar with the situation. While a Google spokesperson has assured that the team’s work will continue in a more robust manner moving forward, specific details were not disclosed.
Previously housed within the Office of Compliance and Integrity under the global affairs division, Google’s Responsible Innovation team played a critical role in assessing internal projects to ensure alignment with Google’s AI principles that govern the development and utilization of the technology. This function is particularly crucial as Google strives to excel in generative AI technologies. In the past year alone, RESIN conducted over 500 reviews, including evaluations for projects like the Bard chatbot, as highlighted in Google’s recent annual report on AI principles.
The uncertainty surrounding RESIN’s future became more apparent following the sudden departure of its leader and founder, Jen Gennai, who held the position of director of responsible innovation. Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Gennai’s LinkedIn profile now indicates her role as an AI ethics and compliance adviser at Google, hinting at a potential imminent departure based on past patterns observed within the company.
In response to these changes, Google opted to divide Gennai’s team, consisting of approximately 30 members, into two distinct groups. While some team members will continue their roles within RESIN, others have been reassigned to the trust and safety department, which is responsible for combating the misuse of Google services and also falls under the global affairs division. Notably, sources mentioned that no layoffs occurred during this transition. However, details regarding the rationale behind the restructuring and the reallocation of responsibilities remain undisclosed. Several sources conveyed that they have not been briefed on how AI principles reviews will be conducted moving forward.
Brian Gabriel, a spokesperson for the company, refrained from elaborating on the future handling of AI project reviews by RESIN but emphasized that the reorganization signifies Google’s unwavering dedication to the responsible development of AI. Gabriel highlighted that integrating the Responsible AI team more closely with the established trust and safety efforts will enhance and expand Google’s responsible innovation initiatives throughout the organization.
Got a Tip?
If you are a current or former Google employee with insights to share, we encourage you to reach out. Please contact Paresh Dave at [email protected] using a personal device, or connect via Signal/WhatsApp/Telegram at 1-415-565-1302.**
