Google is investigating recent actions by Margaret Mitchell, who helps lead the company's ethical AI team, Axios has confirmed.
Why it matters: The probe follows the forced exit of Timnit Gebru, a prominent researcher also on the AI ethics team at Google whose ouster ignited a firestorm among Google employees.
What they're saying: In a statement, Google confirmed that Mitchell's e-mail account has been locked and that the company is investigating why Mitchell downloaded a large number of files and shared them with people outside the company.
Mitchell did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mitchell had posted a tweet critical of CEO Sundar Pichai's planned meeting with historically Black college and university leaders, writing:
Gebru tweeted earlier Tuesday that Mitchell's corporate e-mail appeared not to be working.
What's next: "We are actively investigating this matter as part of standard procedures to gather additional details," a Google representative said.
Go deeper: Tech research becomes hazardous ground
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