From: Fast Company Compass - Friday Feb 26, 2021 02:36 pm
Fast Company Compass
In December, artificial intelligence ethics researcher Timnit Gebru was pushed out of Google over a research paper in which she explored the risks of  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
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In December, artificial intelligence ethics researcher Timnit Gebru was pushed out of Google over a research paper in which she explored the risks of a technology core to Google Search. For many who work in the field, Gebru’s ouster was emblematic of a troubling power dynamic within Silicon Valley, where industry giants like Google control the conversation around AI—including who gets to be in the rooms where core technologies are built and critiqued.

The stakes of this battle couldn’t be higher. AI is increasingly involved in determining everything from credit scores and criminal sentences to car insurance and healthcare access. But rather than muffling Gebru, Google inadvertently spotlighted a movement advocating for algorithms that work in service of social justice—not the status quo. Read more here.

Katharine Schwab
 
tech
‘This is bigger than just Timnit’: How Google tried to silence a critic and ignited a movement

Big Tech has used its power to control the field of AI ethics and avoid accountability. Now, the ouster of Timnit Gebru is putting the movement for equitable tech in the spotlight.

 
co.design
The $1.9 trillion relief bill is only a start. Here’s how to ensure it’s distributed equitably

Data mapping could help states target relief money where it’s needed most.

 
impact
This company is trying to make trampoline desks happen

Sitting desk? Standing desk? How about striking the right work-bounce balance?

 
 
a message from lexus
The New Lexus LS
The greatest machines were inspired by humans. Every detail was designed around you. The LS is engineered to a higher standard—the human standard. Learn more.
 
fashion
This startup will buy back the ratty old T-shirts in your closet

For Days wants consumers to think about how they’ll dispose of their garments from the moment they buy them.

 
creativity
Inside the “full feast” of Billie Eilish’s life in the Apple TV doc ‘The World’s a Little Blurry’

Director RJ Cutler documented Eilish’s life for a year leading up to her record-breaking debut album—and there was a lot ground to cover.

 
leadership
5 things emotionally intelligent leaders do to retain remote workers

Retaining remote workers requires intention, and a bit of extra effort, but it can pay off in significant ways.

 
impact
The Underline, Miami’s new park under its train tracks, is now open

The first section of what will be a 10-mile-long park welcomes pedestrians.

 
recommender
These sisters founded a ‘loud and proud’ Asian sauce company—and the results are delicious

Crafted with famous chefs, Omsom’s flavor packets make cooking authentic, flavor-loaded Asian food at home a breeze.

 
tech
AI promises to make life easier. But it could also change what it means to be human

By eliminating choice and chance, AI could make life comfortable—and utterly predictable.

 
recommender
Grace Eleyae’s stylish satin-lined hats and caps protect natural hair, indoors and out

Grace Eleyae’s line of beanies, caps, and more are lined with satin and silk and come in perfect gender-neutral styles. I should know—I have six of them.

 
NEWS
Airbnb anticipates a travel rebound: What you need to know
In its first earnings report as a publicly traded company, Airbnb delivered a hopeful forecast for the coronavirus-battered travel industry. 
“Travel is coming back and we are laser-focused on preparing for the travel rebound,” the company said in its opening statement.
Despite travel grinding to a halt last year, Airbnb says its revenue for the fourth quarter was down only 22%. At the same time, it reported a net loss of $3.89 billion. 
It also cautioned that specific recovery trends for its business are still impossible to predict, given the uncertainty around how and when the pandemic will play out.
 
 
 
BRANDS THAT MATTER
Fast Company is accepting applications for its new Brands That Matter ranking
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