Identifying and Dismantling Tech's Deep Systems of Bias | TC Sessions: Justice 2021

TL;DR

This panel discussion explores the inherent biases in technology and the importance of accessibility for marginalized communities.

Transcript

hey everyone welcome uh thanks for joining us here today this panel is about the systems of bios that are deeply embedded in tech we kind of can't just sort of patch out as it were um but i'd like to start out by uh allowing haben girma our guest uh today to introduce herself and her uh means of communicating uh and hobbit maybe you can also tell u... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Technologies, such as facial recognition and algorithms, can perpetuate discrimination and bias, particularly against marginalized communities.
• 👾 Ableism and negative biases thrive in spaces where there is a lack of representation and inclusion of disabled voices.
• 👨‍⚖️ Tech companies must prioritize accessibility and involve disability justice advocates in the development process.
• 🥺 Profit-driven motives can lead to the proliferation of harmful content and biased technologies, impacting marginalized communities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the lack of accessibility in tech platforms lead to ableism and negative biases?

When platforms like TikTok are not designed with accessibility in mind, disabled individuals are excluded, leading to the spread of ableism and negative biases against them.

Q: Can the tech industry or a single company achieve the goal of creating equitable AI and organizing information?

It requires both an acknowledgment of the biases in technology and the involvement of diverse voices in its development to achieve equitable AI and information organization.

Q: How do companies prioritize profit over addressing biases and harmful impacts in their technologies?

Profit-driven tech companies may prioritize their own interests, leading to the commodification of disinformation and harmful content that reinforces discrimination and marginalization.

Q: How can the conversations around equity and accessibility in technology be brought to companies?

Companies should hire experts in disciplines like African American studies, ethnic studies, and gender studies to provide nuanced perspectives and ensure that ethics, justice, and accessibility are considered in tech development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Haben Girma, a disability justice advocate, highlights the frustration faced by disabled individuals due to technology not being designed for their needs.

• Matali Colbourn emphasizes the link between discriminatory technologies and the lack of diverse experiences in their creation.

• Sophia Noble discusses the biases present in technologies such as search engines and the need for knowledge institutions that represent oppressed and marginalized voices.