Irresponsible AI: big tech's influence on AI research and associated impacts

The position paper discusses the detrimental influence of big tech on AI research, highlighting how their focus on scaling and general-purpose systems conflicts with ethical and sustainable AI development. It reviews the societal and environmental impacts associated with this trend and calls for AI researchers to take collective action against irresponsible practices driven by economic motivations. This critique is crucial for practitioners to consider the broader implications of their work in AI and to advocate for responsible development practices.