Timnit Gebru
@timnitgebru.bsky.social
Personal Account
Founder: The Distributed AI Research Institute @dairinstitute.bsky.social.
Author: The View from Somewhere, a memoir & manifesto arguing for a technological future that serves our communities (to be published by One Signal / Atria
Founder: The Distributed AI Research Institute @dairinstitute.bsky.social.
Author: The View from Somewhere, a memoir & manifesto arguing for a technological future that serves our communities (to be published by One Signal / Atria
Pinned
Timnit Gebru
@timnitgebru.bsky.social
· Apr 15
Ethiopia’s forgotten war is the deadliest of the 21st century, with around 600,000 civilian deaths
Estimates by European institutions and academics say over half a million non-combatants have died during the Tigray conflict as a result of a government blockade that kept out humanitarian aid
english.elpais.com
🔇🔇🔇Announcing new work from DAIR which is very close to my heart, 3 years in the making.
When #TigrayGenocide, the deadliest genocide of the 21st century thus far, started in November 2020, it was 1 month before I got fired from Google. 🧵
english.elpais.com/internationa...
When #TigrayGenocide, the deadliest genocide of the 21st century thus far, started in November 2020, it was 1 month before I got fired from Google. 🧵
english.elpais.com/internationa...
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
I'm thrilled to see this piece in the world. Through it, Dr. Milagros Miceli and her team have put some language to the worker-led methodology which they have developed.
📣New paper!
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
November 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I'm thrilled to see this piece in the world. Through it, Dr. Milagros Miceli and her team have put some language to the worker-led methodology which they have developed.
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
In sum, this work is not only a methodological account but a proposal for reorienting AI research toward worker-led knowledge rather than extraction.
Read the full article here: ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Read the full article here: ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Methodological Considerations for Centering Workers’ Epistemic Authority in AI Research
| Proceedings of the AAAI/ACM Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society
ojs.aaai.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
In sum, this work is not only a methodological account but a proposal for reorienting AI research toward worker-led knowledge rather than extraction.
Read the full article here: ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Read the full article here: ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Finally, WIRM fosters what Gramsci called "organic intellectuals" embedded in the material conditions and collective struggles of their class. It cultivates networks of solidarity and tools for analysis generated from within worker communities.
See for instance: data-workers.org/DLA/
See for instance: data-workers.org/DLA/
Organizing Across Borders, by Joan Kinyua
The Data Labelers Association is developing mutual support structures and fighting for better working conditions. This inquiry recounts our path to founding it and acknowledges our ongoing partnership...
data-workers.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Finally, WIRM fosters what Gramsci called "organic intellectuals" embedded in the material conditions and collective struggles of their class. It cultivates networks of solidarity and tools for analysis generated from within worker communities.
See for instance: data-workers.org/DLA/
See for instance: data-workers.org/DLA/
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Second, we bring this approach into the AI domain. WIRM provides a way to illuminate the human labor underpinning AI systems while allowing workers to define the terms of that illumination.
Our repository is proof of that: data-workers.org#Inquiries
Our repository is proof of that: data-workers.org#Inquiries
Data Workers' Inquiry - Data Workers' Inquiry
Data Workers' Inquiry
data-workers.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Second, we bring this approach into the AI domain. WIRM provides a way to illuminate the human labor underpinning AI systems while allowing workers to define the terms of that illumination.
Our repository is proof of that: data-workers.org#Inquiries
Our repository is proof of that: data-workers.org#Inquiries
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
First, we systematize Workers’ Inquiry as a Research Methodology (WIRM). We focus on its political grounding, its architecture, and its operationalization, offering a step-by-step guide, examples, and a discussion of challenges and tensions.
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
First, we systematize Workers’ Inquiry as a Research Methodology (WIRM). We focus on its political grounding, its architecture, and its operationalization, offering a step-by-step guide, examples, and a discussion of challenges and tensions.
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Workers’ inquiry operates both as a research strategy and a political practice: a way to produce situated knowledge, reveal structures of exploitation, create space for workers to theorize their own conditions, and, crucially, to organize.
Our contributions are several:
Our contributions are several:
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Workers’ inquiry operates both as a research strategy and a political practice: a way to produce situated knowledge, reveal structures of exploitation, create space for workers to theorize their own conditions, and, crucially, to organize.
Our contributions are several:
Our contributions are several:
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
To address this challenge, we turned to the long tradition of workers’ inquiry: from Marx’s 1880 questionnaire, through Italian workerism and the mid-century autonomist movements, to contemporary scholars such as @karengregory.bsky.social and @jamiewoodcock.com.
www.marxists.org/history/etol...
www.marxists.org/history/etol...
Karl Marx: A Workers' Inquiry (1880)
Karl Marx: A Workers' Inquiry (1880)
www.marxists.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
To address this challenge, we turned to the long tradition of workers’ inquiry: from Marx’s 1880 questionnaire, through Italian workerism and the mid-century autonomist movements, to contemporary scholars such as @karengregory.bsky.social and @jamiewoodcock.com.
www.marxists.org/history/etol...
www.marxists.org/history/etol...
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
My aim with DWI was to develop a research process in which data workers could shape research agendas, interpretive frameworks, and conceptual categories.
The challenge was how to do this methodologically, beyond extractive social science conventions.
data-workers.org/about/how-to...
The challenge was how to do this methodologically, beyond extractive social science conventions.
data-workers.org/about/how-to...
How We Made Data Workers' Inquiry, by Milagros Miceli
This piece traces how Data Workers‘ Inquiry came to life: not as a project with clear answers, but as a messy, stubborn attempt to put research in the hands of the people living the realities research...
data-workers.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
My aim with DWI was to develop a research process in which data workers could shape research agendas, interpretive frameworks, and conceptual categories.
The challenge was how to do this methodologically, beyond extractive social science conventions.
data-workers.org/about/how-to...
The challenge was how to do this methodologically, beyond extractive social science conventions.
data-workers.org/about/how-to...
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
📣New paper!
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
November 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
📣New paper!
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Thrilled to share the methodological recipe for @dataworkersinquiry.bsky.social in this article co-authored with @adiod.bsky.social @krystalkauffman.bsky.social Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher @alexhanna.bsky.social & @timnitgebru.bsky.social
👉 ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AI...
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Okay, I hestitate to even share this link, because while I like NYMag I do not want to send this journalist in particular clicks, b ut:
If your framing is that an academic is the "dominant voice" and the underdogs are OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, maybe a fact check in is order??
>>
If your framing is that an academic is the "dominant voice" and the underdogs are OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, maybe a fact check in is order??
>>
Is ChatGPT Conscious?
Many users feel they’re talking to a real person. Scientists say it’s time to consider whether they’re onto something.
nymag.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Okay, I hestitate to even share this link, because while I like NYMag I do not want to send this journalist in particular clicks, b ut:
If your framing is that an academic is the "dominant voice" and the underdogs are OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, maybe a fact check in is order??
>>
If your framing is that an academic is the "dominant voice" and the underdogs are OpenAI, Anthropic and Google, maybe a fact check in is order??
>>
Pen and paper?
Altman and Ive tease a simple AI device aimed at calm, distraction-free computing, launching within two years.
Altman describes OpenAI's forthcoming AI device as more peaceful and calm than the iPhone | TechCrunch
Altman and Ive tease a simple AI device aimed at calm, distraction-free computing, launching within two years.
techcrunch.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Pen and paper?
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
In our imagined future, research is...
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
November 13, 2025 at 7:01 PM
In our imagined future, research is...
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: Abi A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—-----—
Artwork Credit: Abi A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—-----—
November 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: Abi A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—-----—
Artwork Credit: Abi A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—-----—
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
In our imagined future, research is...
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
November 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
In our imagined future, research is...
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
At 4S Seattle 2025, we invited participants to fill in the blank on paper stars. Together, these stars form an “imagination constellation”: glimpses into dreams of alternative techno-futures.
View the zine and join future events via the link in our bio!
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: BOT65231251321189106669
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------
November 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: BOT65231251321189106669
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: Selam A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—----
Artwork Credit: Selam A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—----
November 20, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: Selam A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—----
Artwork Credit: Selam A
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—----—-------—----
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: Hanna Barakat, The Maybe
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—
Artwork Credit: Hanna Barakat, The Maybe
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—
November 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Who gets to imagine our shared techno-future? All of us do.
Artwork Credit: Hanna Barakat, The Maybe
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—
Artwork Credit: Hanna Barakat, The Maybe
These pieces were created at a Possible Futures workshop held on Sept. 6, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. View the zine and join future workshops via the link in our bio!
—-------—----—-------—
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Catch up on the latest episode of Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000!
🎃 🔥 In which @emilymbender.bsky.social and @alexhanna.bsky.social tackle another “All Hell” episode! Join them as they work their way through the horrors... 🔥🎃
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2126417/epis...
🎃 🔥 In which @emilymbender.bsky.social and @alexhanna.bsky.social tackle another “All Hell” episode! Join them as they work their way through the horrors... 🔥🎃
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2126417/epis...
November 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Catch up on the latest episode of Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000!
🎃 🔥 In which @emilymbender.bsky.social and @alexhanna.bsky.social tackle another “All Hell” episode! Join them as they work their way through the horrors... 🔥🎃
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2126417/epis...
🎃 🔥 In which @emilymbender.bsky.social and @alexhanna.bsky.social tackle another “All Hell” episode! Join them as they work their way through the horrors... 🔥🎃
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2126417/epis...
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
“Mother Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we must still go”
Breaking: Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old.
www.whatimreading.net
November 24, 2025 at 9:08 PM
“Mother Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we must still go”
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
I thought Altman said they solved the problem /sarcastic
November 24, 2025 at 9:25 PM
I thought Altman said they solved the problem /sarcastic
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Comment faire plus court et percutant ? @timnitgebru.bsky.social explique que :
1- L'AGI est une chose fictive, sans réelle définition.
2- Pour développer un système, on met une entrée, on regarde la sortie. Si ça ne va pas, on corrige.
3- On teste les limites d'un pont (charge...)
Et pour l'AGI ?
1- L'AGI est une chose fictive, sans réelle définition.
2- Pour développer un système, on met une entrée, on regarde la sortie. Si ça ne va pas, on corrige.
3- On teste les limites d'un pont (charge...)
Et pour l'AGI ?
‘AGI is a fictional thing’ — Timnit Gebru on artificial general intelligence
YouTube video by nature video
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Comment faire plus court et percutant ? @timnitgebru.bsky.social explique que :
1- L'AGI est une chose fictive, sans réelle définition.
2- Pour développer un système, on met une entrée, on regarde la sortie. Si ça ne va pas, on corrige.
3- On teste les limites d'un pont (charge...)
Et pour l'AGI ?
1- L'AGI est une chose fictive, sans réelle définition.
2- Pour développer un système, on met une entrée, on regarde la sortie. Si ça ne va pas, on corrige.
3- On teste les limites d'un pont (charge...)
Et pour l'AGI ?
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
AGI is a myth... and a 'terrible goal'
November 22, 2025 at 9:27 PM
AGI is a myth... and a 'terrible goal'
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
Reposted by Timnit Gebru
A question for scientists (construed as broadly as you like) of BlueSky: What makes something data?
(Question inspired by a talk I listened to this morning, and of course I have thoughts, but I wanted to throw this out there first.)
(Question inspired by a talk I listened to this morning, and of course I have thoughts, but I wanted to throw this out there first.)
November 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A question for scientists (construed as broadly as you like) of BlueSky: What makes something data?
(Question inspired by a talk I listened to this morning, and of course I have thoughts, but I wanted to throw this out there first.)
(Question inspired by a talk I listened to this morning, and of course I have thoughts, but I wanted to throw this out there first.)