Category Archives: ethics

business, ethics, politics, social media, technology

Why Meta’s AI bias adviser is under fire

2025 年 10 月 12 日 admin Leave a comment

**Why Meta’s AI Bias Adviser Is Under Fire**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 12, 2025, 06:21 PM*

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has come under scrutiny for appointing Robby Starbuck as an AI bias adviser. The appointment, made in August as part of a lawsuit settlement, has sparked controversy due to Starbuck’s history of spreading misinformation on several sensitive topics, including US shootings, transgender issues, vaccines, and crime.

### Misinformation Spread and Unsubstantiated Claims

Since joining Meta, Starbuck has made numerous unfounded claims. He alleged that individual shooters in the US were motivated by leftist ideology, labeled faith-based protest groups as communists, and linked Democratic lawmakers to murders without evidence. His online behavior has shown no sign of moderation, raising concerns about corporate America’s perceived capitulation to the MAGA movement.

### Starbuck’s Response to Criticism

In response to the backlash, Starbuck described the criticism as an “attempted hit job” aimed at punishing Meta for collaborating with him on AI fairness. He clarified that his personal statements do not represent Meta and emphasized his role is focused on making AI fair for everyone.

Despite repeated inquiries from *The Guardian*, Meta has declined to comment on Starbuck’s role or address his controversial online rhetoric.

### Past Actions and Controversies

Prior to his role at Meta, Starbuck was known for his opposition to corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He actively targeted companies with conservative customer bases, pressuring several major American firms to eliminate internal DEI initiatives or sever ties with pro-LGBTQ organizations.

Moreover, Starbuck has been a prominent promoter of vaccine misinformation, often amplifying claims propagated by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

### Concerns from Advocacy Groups

Starbuck has been accused of pushing an anti-LGBTQ agenda and spreading disinformation about transgender individuals. Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, expressed strong disapproval of Starbuck’s involvement with Meta. She stated, “He peddles lies and pushes extremism, and it is hard to believe any of this will help make their platforms safer or better.”

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Meta’s decision to appoint Robby Starbuck as an AI bias adviser continues to raise questions about the company’s commitment to fairness and safety on its platforms. As the controversy unfolds, the tech giant’s silence on the matter only adds to public concern.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/robby-starbuck-s-ai-bias-adviser-role-sparks-controversy-for-meta/story

ethics, india, judiciary, law, legal

Bar Council of India suspends advocate who tried to hurl shoe at CJI Gavai

2025 年 10 月 6 日 admin Leave a comment

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Monday suspended the practice of Advocate Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings. The council has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against him, news agency PTI reported.

In a shocking breach of decorum, Kishore reportedly approached the dais during a hearing and tried to throw a shoe at the CJI, but was promptly stopped by security personnel.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has strongly condemned the incident in a unanimous resolution, according to PTI. Headed by Vipin Nair, the association described Kishore’s act as a “disrespectful and intemperate gesture” by an advocate.

In a statement, SCAORA secretary Nikhil Jain urged the Supreme Court to “take suo motu cognizance of the said conduct and initiate appropriate proceedings for contempt of court, as the act/gesture is a calculated move to scandalise the authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and lower its dignity in the eyes of the public.”

The association emphasised that freedom of speech carries a duty of restraint, particularly for members of the legal profession, who are officers of the court.

It expressed “deep anguish and disapproval at the recent act of an advocate who, by his unwarranted and intemperate gesture, sought to disrespect the office and authority of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and his companion Judges.”

According to SCAORA, such conduct is unbecoming of a member of the Bar and undermines the mutual respect between the “Bench and the Bar.” The body added that this behaviour is antithetical to the dignity of the legal profession and contrary to constitutional values of decorum, discipline, and institutional integrity.

“Any attempt to malign or a personalised act/gesture aimed against a sitting judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court constitutes a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary and undermines public faith in the justice delivery system,” SCAORA stated.

The association condemned the incident as a “cowardly and disrespectful act” and affirmed its complete solidarity with the CJI and the entire judiciary in upholding the majesty, independence, and impartiality of the Supreme Court.

(With PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/attempted-attack-on-cji-br-gavai-bar-council-of-india-suspends-advocate-rakesh-kishore-23597477

bangladesh, ethics, governance, politics, sports

Bangladesh Cricket Board elections on October 6, Tamim raises concerns

2025 年 9 月 21 日 admin Leave a comment

**Bangladesh Cricket Board Elections Scheduled for October 6; Tamim Iqbal Raises Concerns**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 21, 2025, 9:55 PM*

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections are set to take place on October 6, as announced today by the country’s Election Commission. In this election, the general members body, known as the councilors, will elect 23 out of the 25 board directors. Following this, a BCB president will be chosen from the 25 directors to serve a four-year term.

**Tamim Iqbal Alleges Interference in Election Process**

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who recently declared his intention to run for a position, has raised serious concerns about the election process. During a press conference in Dhaka held alongside other candidates and former BCB directors, Tamim accused the current BCB president, Nazmul Hassan, of “interference” in the elections.

Tamim criticized Nazmul Hassan for unilaterally extending the deadline for nomination submissions twice. He pointed out that a letter dated September 18, signed by Nazmul himself to extend the deadline, was not issued by the BCB’s chief executive. “The election commission has been in charge since their appointment. The BCB president extended the nomination deadline twice,” Tamim stated.

**Concerns Over Violation of BCB Constitution**

Tamim further alleged that the BCB’s constitution was breached when board representatives from eight divisions and 64 districts were nominated by an ad-hoc committee. He expressed that this nomination process conflicted with the established constitution, describing the entire procedure as a “selection” rather than a true election.

“If elections are conducted this way, it is no longer an election but a selection. Elections should be open and fair for everyone,” Tamim emphasized.

**Call for Fairness and Integrity**

Tamim appealed to the authorities to respect the original list of councilors. “I hope that those declared as councilors on September 17 remain unchanged. There should be no modifications,” he urged, stressing the need for a transparent and fair election process.

The election schedule includes the publication of a draft voter list on September 22, followed by the final list on September 25.

**Overview of the BCB Election Process**

The upcoming BCB election will proceed in three categories:

1. **Division and District Directors**: 10 directors will be elected from divisions and districts across Bangladesh.

2. **Dhaka Clubs Representatives**: 12 directors will be elected from representatives of Dhaka’s cricket clubs.

3. **Special Category Director**: One director will be elected from former cricketers, national captains, security forces, and councilors nominated by the National Sports Council.

Additionally, the Bangladesh government will appoint two directors to serve on the board.

As election day approaches, all eyes remain on the BCB and the Election Commission to ensure that the process is conducted fairly and transparently for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/tamim-iqbal-raises-concerns-ahead-of-bcb-elections/story