According to a recent report by Politico, a foundation run by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has contributed to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy over the past year.
Consulting with top executives by the White House is not strange. Almost all presidents have a history of consulting and working with top executives in American companies. However, the role of CEOs of technology companies has always been more significant.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) provides funds for scientific projects and determines the country’s policies on artificial intelligence. However, the recent contribution of a foundation belonging to Eric Schmidt to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has raised concerns over ethical issues. But worries arise when you know that Eric Schmidt is currently investing in some artificial intelligence companies.
As per the emails obtained by Politico, OSTP general counsel Rachel Wallace has also expressed concern over recent financial involvements.
“I and others on the legal team had been noticing a large number of staff with financial connections to Schmidt Futures and were increasingly concerned about the influence this organization was able to have through these individuals,” Wallace told Politico.
Schmidt’s foundation has direct financial ties with OSTP
Politico reports that Schmidt’s foundation, Schmidt Futures, has paid the salaries of OSTP employees. Also, Schmidt Futures fellowships for traveling to conferences are offered to some employees. Schmidt Futures also hired an unpaid consultant in the office. The report says that some members of the office withdrew in response to ethical concerns.
Moreover, Eric Schmidt has some close ties with Eric Lander, former director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Lander resigned in February following reports of bullying of the office employees.
An unnamed OSTP spokesperson reacted to the Politico report and said they work with many outside groups. Also, the legal office reviews any potential ethical conflicts.
Ethical concerns about what big companies can do with artificial intelligence have recently increased. Just recently, two members of Google ethical AI research group left the company. Also, a former Google AI researcher joined FTC as senior advisor.
2022-03-31 15:07:40