TechStuff The Story: Ask Lots of Questions w/ Meredith Whittaker
Feb 5, 2025
Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation and co-founder of NYU’s AI Now Institute, dives into the pressing issues of data privacy and ethical AI. She shares her transition from Google, reflecting on her role in the 2018 Google walkouts. The conversation touches on the ethical dilemmas surrounding algorithm-driven warfare and the dangers of automated AI in military operations. Whittaker emphasizes the essential role of secure communication in today's digital landscape, advocating for user rights amidst profit-driven tech giants.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Literature to Tech
- Meredith Whittaker joined Google in 2006 with a literature and rhetoric background, initially unaware of the tech world.
- She learned by asking basic questions, gradually uncovering the complexities and limitations of information and algorithms.
Don't Be Evil?
- Google's "Don't Be Evil" slogan served as a useful tool for internal discussions about ethical considerations.
- However, the company's focus on profit and growth ultimately led to the slogan's removal.
Project Maven and Internal Dissent
- Whittaker's involvement in Project Maven, a military contract for drone targeting AI, sparked internal dissent within Google.
- This led to organized protests and Google eventually dropping the contract.