The AI critic promises to keep Signal users away from the tech giants’ “watching gaze”.
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Meredith Whittaker, Signal
Signal has appointed Meredith Whittaker, co-founder of the AI Now Institute and founder of Google’s Open Research Group, as its first president.
As president, effective September 12, Whittaker will be responsible for the company’s strategy. Speaking of The Washington Postshe outlined her priority as keeping the company funded, noting that “it costs tens of millions of dollars a year to develop and maintain an app like Signal.”
The encrypted messaging service Signal is primarily known for its app, which provides users with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all messages by default, and is widely used by protesters who want to avoid surveillance.
A former Google executive, Whittaker was one of the main organizers of the 2018 walkout, in which 20,000 employees walked off their desks to protest the company’s handling of sexual harassment cases and forced arbitration. After a lengthy lawsuit, the motion secured Google employees’ class action rights and an end to the practice of forced arbitration.
Further protests Whittaker was involved in centered around Google’s involvement in the Pentagon’s Project Maven, in which AI would be used to improve the capabilities of military drones. Pressure from employees eventually forced Google to withdraw from the project altogether and publish a code of ethics for AI.
Since leaving the company, Whittaker has been a prominent critic of artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technology, testifying before Congress that both risk reinforcing existing biases against minorities. She has also advised the Federal Trade Commission on AI in a senior counsel role.
“Signal wasn’t built for primary academic speculation, it was built to be used by real people around the world,” Whittaker said in a blog post announcing her appointment to the role.
“And many millions do, turning to Signal for a safe and enjoyable space where intimate, experimental and personal communication can happen outside the scrutiny of the dominant tech companies and countries that can and do subpoena their data.”
“I believe that Signal is essential infrastructure whose growth and stability are imperative to a livable future.” And as president of Signal, I will do everything in my power to build on Signal’s strong foundation and vision and create a rich soil where Signal can continue to grow and thrive.
“I’m honored to take on this role, and I’m grateful to the team whose thoughtful work makes Signal possible, and to the community beyond that contributes the hard work and intelligence that helps us maintain our rigorous standards.” Forward!”
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