IRL: Online Life is Real Life
Lend Me Your Voice
Nov 21, 2023
In this episode, Bridget Todd talks to AI community leaders from the US, Kenya, and New Zealand about the power of big tech over language. They discuss the importance of defending data rights from big AI companies and the survival of languages in the future. The podcast also explores the challenges of voice technology, language as a form of resistance, and revitalizing indigenous languages using AI and storytelling. It touches upon data sovereignty, grassroots AI communities, and the struggle for startups against big tech. The episode concludes with insights on community control and reclaiming the internet.
22:35
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Quick takeaways
- Power dynamics associated with language in speech recognition systems should be considered to avoid perpetuation of dominance and exclusion.
- Technology builders in marginalized communities are using AI and speech recognition to digitize and preserve their language, but caution is needed to prevent colonization and undermining of community efforts.
Deep dives
Improving Language Models for Inclusivity
Big tech companies are making efforts to provide more diversity in their language models for speech recognition systems. However, the motivation behind these efforts is unclear. It is uncertain whether they genuinely care about inclusivity or if they are driven by the realization that inclusivity is better for their bottom lines. Inaccurate speech recognition can have serious consequences, especially in settings like courtrooms and prisons. It is essential to consider the power dynamics associated with language and the expectation of speaking in standardized accents. The use of digital technology should not perpetuate the dominance of certain languages or dialects.
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