Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Meredith Whittaker: Revolutionizing Tech Privacy and Power
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Dec 18, 2024 
In a thought-provoking discussion, Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal and former Google AI ethics researcher, shares her journey of leading the historic Google walkout, emphasizing the need for change in tech ethics. She highlights Signal's role as a champion of private communication and critiques the surveillance-driven models of other platforms. Whittaker also dives into the complex issues surrounding AI, calling for responsibility and ethical considerations, while advocating for a more humane approach to scaling tech organizations.
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Google Walkout
- Meredith Whittaker led a walkout at Google in 2018 due to ethical concerns, including military contracts and toxic culture.
- The walkout started in Singapore and rolled through time zones, with thousands participating globally.
Profit over Ethics
- Despite ethical mottos, tech companies prioritize profit and growth, leading to ethically questionable choices.
- Whittaker believes this incentive structure, combined with tech's power, is unhealthy.
Signal's Purpose
- Signal, a non-profit, offers private communication, acting as a nervous system for confidential information.
- Various groups, from militaries to CEOs, use it due to its privacy features.