20250619 - Google bribes iNaturalist to use generative AI, volunteers quit in outrage

what's a bit of blood money, eh Text version: https://pivot-to-ai.com/2025/06/19/google-bribes-inaturalist-to-use-generative-ai-volunteers-quit-in-outrage/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davidgerard Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/A1529D5 Buy me nice things: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3Q8VZW46J6DM6 Get an extremely cool Pivot to AI shirt or mug: https://pivot-to-ai.redbubble.com Sources: Here's the next cohort of the Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/google-org/generative-ai-accelerator-cohort-2025/ "We're so excited to be one of the organizations selected for this @Googleorg program!" https://x.com/inaturalist/status/1932095273549083074 What is this — iNaturalist and generative AI? https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-is-this-inaturalist-and-generative-ai/66140/1 iNaturalist receives grant to improve species suggestions https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/113184-inaturalist-receives-grant-to-improve-species-suggestions Why iNaturalist Users Freaked Out over a Google AI Grant https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/google-ai-grant-to-inaturalist-prompts-community-outcry/ "Hi again all, please know we're reading every comment and having a lot of discussions on our end." https://x.com/inaturalist/status/1932897302433444302 Full Pivot to AI playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UU9rJrMVgcXTfa8xuMnbhAEA