Google fires second AI ethics leader Margaret Mitchell Over diversity disputes

Alphabet's Google fired staff scientist Margaret Mitchell on Friday, it is a move that fanned company divisions on academic freedom and diversity that were on display.

The statement from Google says, she was fired for violating its code of conduct and security policies. Her ouster comes hot on the heels of similar firing of another Ethical AI co-leader Timnit Gebru.

Mitchell, who announced her firing on Twitter, did not respond to a request for comment. Google's ethics in artificial intelligence work has been under scrutiny since the firing of Gebru, a scientist who gained prominence for exposing bias in facial analysis systems.

The dismissal prompted thousands of Google workers to protest. She and Mitchell had called for greater diversity and inclusion among Google's research staff and expressed concern that the company was starting to censor papers critical of its products.

Gebru said Google fired her after she questioned an order not to publish a study saying AI that mimics language could hurt marginalized populations. Mitchell, a co-author of the paper, publicly criticized the company for firing Gebru and undermining the credibility of her work.

Google's director for AI research, Zoubin Ghahramani, informed Mitchell's team of her firing on Friday. The meeting was called in short notice and scarce explanation was provided about the decision. The person said little explanation was given for the dismissal. Google declined to comment.

Google employee Alex Hanna said on Twitter the company was running a "smear campaign" against Mitchell and Gebru, with whom she worked closely. Google declined to comment on Hanna's remarks.

Google reiterated to researchers in a memo and meeting on Friday that it was working to improve pre-publication review of papers. It also announced new policies on Friday to handle sensitive departures and evaluate executives based on team diversity and inclusion.