Interdependence

Interdependence 9: Kate Crawford (AI Now)

Jun 22, 2020

Kate Crawford, founder of the AI Now Institute and a leading voice on the political implications of AI, dives into the hidden complexities of artificial intelligence. She discusses how platforms like Amazon Echo exploit human and ecological resources and critiques the power dynamics of platform capitalism. The conversation also covers data-driven hiring biases, the impact of algorithmic feedback on communication, and the socio-economic disparities amplified by technology. Crawford's insights provide a thought-provoking look at the intersection of AI, society, and political power.

47:06

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Episode guests

Kate Crawford

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Quick takeaways

Understanding AI requires a holistic analysis of the political, social, and economic forces that shape its development and application.

The Anatomy of AI project highlights the labor exploitation and ecological costs inherent in the seemingly simple technologies like voice-enabled devices.

Deep dives

The Political Framework of AI

Artificial intelligence must be understood within its political context, as it is significantly shaped by social, economic, and ecological structures. Defining AI through corporate branding, such as associating it with well-known tech products, can distort perceptions and limit discussions about its underlying implications. This framing often leads to an overestimation of AI's reliability and rationality, positioning it as a decision-maker in high-stakes areas like healthcare and policing. Understanding AI requires a broader materialist analysis that considers the vast resources and labor it necessitates, ultimately exposing it as a registry of power that serves existing dominant interests.

Intro

2min

AI, Power, and Society

24min

Data-Driven Hiring and Behavioral Conditioning in Employment

2min

The Impact of Algorithmic Feedback on Language and Physicality

2min

Tech Platforms and Political Power

13min

The Socio-Economic Impacts of Technology and Surveillance

4min

In this episode we speak with Kate Crawford, founder of the AI Now Institute and professor who has spent the last decade studying the political implications of data systems, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

We discuss the anatomy of AI systems and full ecosystem of human and material resources behind an Amazon echo, the need to develop an understanding of the exponential accumulation of power under platform capitalism, the use of AI systems in predictive policing and other controversial areas, and Kate’s parallel experience as an electronic musician.

This episode ends rather abruptly as we got lost in conversation and Kate had to run, so forgive us for the atypical ending!

Relevant Kate links:

AI Now Institute: https://ainowinstitute.org/

Anatomy of AI: https://anatomyof.ai/

Links we raised:

Stance Features of Youtube Celebrities by Katri Mustonen: https://jyx.jyu.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/56988/1/URN%3ANBN%3Afi%3Ajyu-201802011411.pdf

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