Episode 38: CRISPR therapies, Boeing, and reconnecting with Alondra Nelson
Feb 2, 2024
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Alondra Nelson, Harold F. Linder Professor, discusses CRISPR therapies for sickle cell disease, safety issues with Boeing, and the UK Post Office scandal. They explore the skepticism around gene editing therapies and accessibility concerns. They also discuss the role of humans in human-machine interactions and Alondra Nelson's accomplishments as a black woman and social scientist. The chapter emphasizes the importance of explainability and public accountability in AI.
The AI Bill of Rights aims to go beyond idealistic notions and promote public accountability in AI regulation.
Working at OSTP involved engaging with diverse stakeholders, facilitating mutual understanding, and prioritizing effective communication.
Balancing priorities and sustaining engagement are crucial in the work of OSTP, even during times of crisis.
Deep dives
The AI Bill of Rights: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Norms
The AI Bill of Rights was developed with the intention of going beyond idealistic notions and instead including edge cases that would spur researchers and industry to move beyond established norms. The goal was to address the lack of knowledge or understanding that often leads to claims of impossibility. While some resistance was encountered from industry players who feared overregulation, the focus remained on striving for public accountability rather than specific technical outcomes. The collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the work at OSTP allowed for a shared understanding of the technology, with various experts contributing their insights. The process involved extensive meetings with diverse constituencies, listening, processing, and working towards mutual understanding. It also required distilling complex technical information into language that policy makers and the public could comprehend, fostering a culture of briefing that prioritized clarity and accessibility.
Navigating Diverse Constituencies and Multifaceted Portfolios
Working at OSTP involved serving diverse constituencies and managing multifaceted portfolios. The office's history and hiring authorities allowed for the incorporation of different perspectives, including individuals from civil society, academia, and industry. Engaging with these stakeholders required numerous meetings and briefings, fostering mutual understanding and addressing a broad range of policy areas. The culture of briefing emphasized effective communication and the ability to distill complex topics into accessible terms. While subject matter expertise was essential, the focus was on facilitating general knowledge and ensuring comprehension across various disciplines. This dynamic environment demanded collaboration across teams with diverse backgrounds, enabling a deeper understanding of complex issues and finding common ground.
Managing Crises and Sustaining Engagement
While crises demand immediate attention, the work at OSTP required ongoing engagement and management of various portfolios. It was crucial to keep all the different pots simmering, even during times of crisis. The ability to balance priorities was essential, allowing for the continuation of long-term projects while dealing with urgent matters. The pool of experts and stakeholders may become more focused during a crisis, but the need to address a wide range of issues remained. Sustaining engagement involved adapting to changing circumstances, pushing certain tasks to the background while giving prominence to critical concerns. Throughout, the commitment to public accountability and fostering understanding played a central role in the work of OSTP.
The Importance of Building Trust and Engagement
Building trust is crucial in the field of science and technology policy. Engaging people and being transparent are ways to build trust. Rather than dictating from above, it is important to involve and communicate with different stakeholders. This approach helps address growing concerns such as algorithmic bias and discrimination in automated systems. The American administration and organizations like the OSTP can play a role in advancing algorithmic accountability and ensuring data privacy, even in the absence of a national data protection law.
The Impact and Process of Developing the AI Bill of Rights
The process of developing the AI Bill of Rights involved various steps, including gathering public input and engaging different stakeholders. Listening sessions and panels were conducted to gather perspectives from people across different backgrounds and regions. The purpose was to ensure that the Bill of Rights represented the concerns and needs of various communities. With a focus on moving from principles to practice, the document provides a set of norms and principles for AI systems, including aspects like safety, data privacy, and protection from algorithmic discrimination. The document also recognizes the role of technical work in demonstrating system effectiveness and accountability.
In the first episode of 2024, Shobita and Jack reflect on the first CRISPR therapy approved by drug regulators around the world, for sickle cell disease. We also talk about the safety issues plaguing Boeing, and the Post Office scandal roiling the UK and why it matters for regulating AI. And, we reconnect with Alondra Nelson, one of The Received Wisdom's first guests! Alondra Nelson is the Harold F. Linder Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study and previously as deputy assistant to President Joe Biden and acting director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy(OSTP).
- Zook, M, S. Barocas, d. boyd, K. Crawford, E. Keller, S. P. Gangadharan, A. Goodman, R. Hollander, B.A. Koenig, J. Metcalf, A. Narayanan, A. Nelson, and F. Pasquale (2017, March 30). "Ten simple rules for responsible big data research." PLOS Computational Biology.
- Nelson, A. (2016). The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation After the Genome. Beacon Press.