November 19, 2023: Meta, a leading tech giant, has recently disbanded its Responsible AI (RAI) team, as reported by The Information. This move comes as part of a strategic realignment towards generative artificial intelligence.
Established in 2019, the RAI team was pivotal in ensuring the ethical development of AI technologies at Meta. Their focus included maintaining accountability, transparency, safety, and privacy in AI applications.
However, the recent restructuring has resulted in most RAI team members being assimilated into Meta’s generative AI product team, while others have moved to work on the company’s AI infrastructure.
Jon Carvill, a representative of Meta, emphasized that despite the dissolution of the RAI team, the commitment to safe and responsible AI development remains a priority. He assured that the members will continue contributing to responsible AI development across various Meta divisions.
Earlier this year, the RAI team underwent restructuring, which included layoffs that significantly diminished its size and influence within the company.
As reported by Business Insider, this previous change had already left the team with reduced autonomy and increased challenges in implementing initiatives.
The move by Meta reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, where focus is shifting towards advanced AI models.
This reorganization also comes amidst global efforts to establish regulatory frameworks for AI development, with governments like the United States and the European Union taking active steps in this direction.
