Google has quietly updated the webpage for its Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology (RAI-HCT) team, removing language related to diversity and equity from its mission description. The changes, spotted by watchdog group The Midas Project, have raised concerns about the company's commitment to inclusivity and fairness in AI development.

The previous version of the page used language such as "marginalized communities," "diverse," "underrepresented groups," and "equity" to describe the RAI-HCT team's work. However, this language has been removed or replaced with less specific wording, such as "all," "varied," and "numerous" instead of "diverse." Google has not responded to requests for comment on the changes.

This move comes after Google deleted similar language from its Startups Founders Fund grant website in early February. The company also announced that it would eliminate its diversity hiring targets and review its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The changes are seen as part of a broader trend among big tech companies, which have been rolling back DEI initiatives in response to pressure from the Trump Administration.

Amazon and Meta have also walked back DEI measures over the past few months, and OpenAI recently removed mentions of diversity and inclusion from a webpage on its hiring practices. However, Apple has pushed back against a shareholder proposal to end its DEI programs, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining these initiatives.

Many of these companies, including Google, have contracts with federal agencies, which has raised concerns about the potential impact of these changes on the development of AI systems that are fair and inclusive. The removal of language related to diversity and equity from the RAI-HCT team's mission description has sparked concerns that Google may be backing away from its commitment to developing AI systems that are safe and fair for all users.

The implications of these changes are far-reaching, as AI systems have the potential to perpetuate biases and discrimination if they are not developed with diversity and equity in mind. The development of AI systems that are fair and inclusive requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the removal of language related to these concepts from the RAI-HCT team's mission description has raised concerns about Google's commitment to this goal.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with the challenges of developing AI systems that are safe and fair for all users, the changes to the RAI-HCT team's mission description have sparked a larger conversation about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in AI development. The removal of language related to these concepts has raised concerns about the potential impact on the development of AI systems, and has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability from tech companies.

In the coming months, it will be important to monitor the impact of these changes on the development of AI systems, and to hold tech companies accountable for their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential that companies prioritize the development of AI systems that are safe, fair, and inclusive for all users.