VU Amsterdam awards honorary doctorate to Meredith Whittaker (vu.nl)

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has awarded an honorary doctorate to Meredith Whittaker, the president of the Signal Foundation, recognizing her pivotal role in highlighting the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and her groundbreaking work in privacy and digital rights. This accolade, presented by the Faculty of Science, underscores Whittaker's influence as a champion for individual rights and a critical voice against the dominance of big tech. The honorary doctorate will be conferred on November 19, 2026, coinciding with the university's 146th anniversary celebration, which aims to address the challenges and complexities posed by a rapidly changing world. Whittaker’s efforts are significant for the AI/ML community, particularly her advocacy for user privacy and alternatives to profit-driven tech giants. Through Signal, a non-profit messaging platform boasting 70 to 100 million active users monthly, she demonstrates that user-centric privacy solutions can be both viable and competitive. Additionally, her research at the AI Now Institute explores the social implications of AI and warns against its ethical risks, emphasizing the urgent need for a balance between technological advancement and individual freedoms. Whittaker is also recognized for her activism advocating for workplace equality, notably leading the Google Walkout in 2018.