Google removes 'diversity,' 'equity' mentions from AI team's mission statement
What's the story
Google has made subtle changes to the webpage of its Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology (RAI-HCT) team. This group is responsible for researching AI safety, fairness, and explainability.
The changes include the removal of words like "diversity" and "equity" from their mission statement.
The previous version of this page used words like "marginalized communities," "diverse," "underrepresented groups," and "equity" to describe the team's work.
Oversight
Watchdog group highlights Google's language changes
The changes were first highlighted by The Midas Project, a non-profit watchdog group.
The changes come after Google recently removed similar language from its Startups Founders Fund grant website.
In early February, Google announced plans to eliminate its diversity hiring targets and review its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Industry trend
Google joins trend to scale back DEI initiatives
Google's move to ditch "diversity" and "equity" from its AI team's mission statement is in line with a broader trend among major tech companies.
Many of these firms have started rolling back their DEI initiatives as the Trump Administration targets what it characterizes as an "illegal" practice.
Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI are among those who have recently rolled back their DEI measures in the trend.