Google’s Responsible AI Website Removes Any Mention Of ‘diversity’

Google continues to make important changes that are in line with the new political direction in the current administration in Washington. The company is among those that reduced or ended their DEI programs following the executive order signed by Donald Trump. Now, it seems that Google is extending the scope of these measures to the “diversity” and “equity” initiatives of its Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology (RAI-HCT) team.

RAI-HCT is a team that researches the safe and fair implementation of AI. The team’s guidelines included consideration of factors such as diversity and equity. Previously, the company used language such as “marginalized communities,” “diverse,” or “underrepresented groups” to describe the team’s mission. This was in line with the previous DEI policies that Google had implemented at the company.

Google removes terms like “diversity” and “equity” from its responsible AI implementation department website

However, The Midas Project has spotted that Google has removed such terms from the RAI-HCT group’s description on its official website. Instead, the firm has opted to use more generic or general language. Instead of being more specific about “marginalized communities” or “underrepresented groups,” the new version of the team description uses words like “varied,” “numerous,” or “all,” among others.

The move appears to be a follow-up to the process of policy change that Google has been implementing for weeks. The company modified its guidelines not only regarding DEI programs but also AI development. In mid-February, firm defended the change of course before its staff. Melonie Parker, Google’s former head of diversity, said at the time that the new path was necessary to adapt to the new legislation.

Donald Trump’s executive order points to the elimination of DEI programs nationwide. Google is one of the companies that has important government contracts. Therefore, it is not in its best interests to be at odds with Donald Trump’s administration. The firm had already clashed with Trump before the elections. The president of the United States accused Google of hiding positive news about him and giving more prominence to negative ones. So, it’s up to Google to take steps to smooth things over.

Google’s initial “anti-DEI” measures involved eliminating diversity hiring targets. The firm also got rid of initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Other companies that have taken similar measures

Google isn’t the only big tech company that has adhered to the new national policy. Companies like Amazon and Meta have taken similar steps in the recent past. Even OpenAI, parent company of ChatGPT, stopped mentioning inclusion policies on its hiring page.