Why MIT researcher is calling for ‘algorithmic justice’ against AI biases
Joy Buolamwini is a leading figure in the field of artificial intelligence research, advocating for algorithmic justice to address bias in AI systems. She is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, a crucial organization working to hold AI systems accountable for their impact on society.
Buolamwini’s work began during her time as a graduate student at MIT, where she discovered troubling instances of racial and gender bias in facial recognition technology. Major tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon were found to have flawed facial recognition systems that failed to accurately identify people of color, especially darker-skinned females. This biased technology was already in use by corporations and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the urgent need for algorithmic justice.
Her groundbreaking research led her to call out these tech giants for their discriminatory algorithms, sparking a conversation about the ethical implications of AI technologies. Buolamwini’s personal experience with face detection, where she had to wear a white mask to have her dark skin detected, served as a powerful example of the inherent biases present in AI systems.
In a lecture at Duke University, Buolamwini introduced the concept of the “coded gaze,” emphasizing the power dynamics embedded in technology that shape our societal norms and prejudices. She highlighted the real-world consequences of algorithmic bias, such as false arrests and non-consensual deep fakes, underscoring the urgent need for accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems.
One poignant example she shared was the case of Porcha Woodruff, a pregnant woman falsely arrested due to facial recognition misidentification. This incident, along with others like the wrongful arrest of Robert Williams, demonstrates the harmful impact of biased algorithms on individuals’ lives. Buolamwini stressed the importance of addressing these issues to prevent further harm to marginalized communities.
As AI technologies continue to advance, Buolamwini advocates for a more inclusive and ethical approach to their development. She warns against the unchecked use of surveillance and exploitative algorithms, urging for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry. By raising awareness about algorithmic bias and advocating for algorithmic justice, Buolamwini is at the forefront of the movement to ensure that AI serves the people and not just the privileged few.
