- The division slowed down the release of ChatGPT and updates to it
- These employees were trying to assess the social risks of introducing AI-based software into corporate products.
- On the way to dominance in the new market, Microsoft decided to get rid of them
Apparently, not only recruiters and managers fell under the January wave of cuts at Microsoft. The company also disbanded the team that is responsible for ethical and social issues when introducing new AI-based products.
The portal reports platformer referring to one of the former employees of the unit. Such a team acts as a “stopper” for large tech companies.
The Ethics Department evaluates the possible legal and social consequences of the release of a particular product. In this particular case, the team made recommendations for a smooth entry into the AI-based software market.
But this position ran counter to the leadership strategy. Microsoft, which has invested billions in the development of ChatGPT, did not want to slow down. The corporation took the lead and immediately announced the mass introduction of new technology in its products.
According to the source of the portal, the company deliberately disbanded the team. That slowed down ChatGPT’s entry into the global market, which could affect Microsoft’s revenue.
After the reorganization last autumn, only seven people remained in the unit. The rest of the team was fired or transferred to other departments. In January, they were also reduced.
These developments call into question the corporation’s commitment to socially responsible and ethical behavior. Microsoft’s ambitions are quite obvious, and, unfortunately, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the company is getting rid of those who impede their achievement.
