Design Matters with Debbie Millman Dr. Joy Buolamwini
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Jul 14, 2025 Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist and digital activist, founded the Algorithmic Justice League and authored the bestselling book Unmasking AI. She discusses the ethical dilemmas of facial recognition technology and the biases in AI, emphasizing the need for inclusive data. Buolamwini shares her journey shaped by her Ghanaian and Mississippian roots, her transformative experiences at MIT, and the importance of tackling privacy issues. Through personal anecdotes, she advocates for equitable technology and the social impact of AI solutions.
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Robot Peekaboo Bias Story
- Joy Buolamwini programmed a robot to play peekaboo but it failed to detect her dark skin face.
- She used a light-skinned roommate for testing to ensure it worked during the demo.
Teaching Coding in Zambia
- Joy taught young Zambians to develop mobile apps through a Fulbright fellowship.
- They bartered for resources and successfully localized app development to Zambia.
Facial Recognition Bias Insight
- Facial recognition shows significant racial and gender bias, especially against darker-skinned women.
- Even accurate AI systems can be dangerous due to potential abuse and surveillance implications.
