The Good Robot

In this episode, we chat about coming back from summer break, and discuss a research paper recently published by Kerry and the AI ethicist and researcher Os Keyes called "The Infopolitics of Feeling: How race and disability are configured in Emotion Recognition Technology". We discuss why AI tools that promise to be able to read our emotions from our faces are scientifically and politically suspect. We then explore the ableist foundations of what used to be the most famous Emotion AI firm in the world: Affectiva. Kerry also explains how the Stop Asian Hate and Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 inspired this research project, and why she thinks that emotion recognition technologies have no place in our societies. 

In this episode, we talk to Amba Kak and Sarah Myers West of the AI Now Institute, who are the co directors of this leading policy think tank. In the episode, which is the second installment of our EU AI Act series, Amba and Sarah explore why different tech policy narratives matter, the difference between the US and the EU regulatory landscape, why this idea that AI is simply outstripping regulation is an outdated maxim, and then finally, their policy wish list for 2024.

Daniel Leufer and Caterina Rodelli from Access Now delve into the vital intersection of the EU AI Act and human rights. They highlight the Act's formulation and its potential pitfalls, emphasizing the risks posed by industry lobbying. The duo discusses coalition efforts against harmful technologies like emotion recognition, advocating for inclusive and transparent regulatory practices. Their call to action urges citizens to engage in shaping responsible AI legislation that prioritizes safety and rights, particularly for marginalized communities.

We often think that maths is neutral or can't be harmful, because after all, what could numbers do to hurt us? In this episode, we talk to Dr. Maurice Chiodo, a mathematician at the University of Cambridge, who's now based at the Center for Existential Risk. He tells us why maths can actually throw out big ethical issues. Take the atomic bomb or the maths used by Cambridge Analytica to influence the Brexit referendum or the US elections. Together, we explore why it's crucial that we understand the role that maths plays in unethical AI.Follow our IG shenanigans: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodrobotpodcast/?locale=hi_INTweet us: https://twitter.com/thegoodrobot1?lang=enWatch our TikTok adventures: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegoodrobotpodcastListen here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jbYieHj1QrykdQUeCVpOR or https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-good-robot/id1570237963We have the best newsletter full of AI updates and reading recs! https://tech.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?

This is a special live episode because Kerry is talking to Professor Helen Hester at the tech transformed conference in London. Helen is a leading thinker of feminism technology and the future of work, and she explores the history of domestic technologies- so technology used around the house. It's really important that we understand that technologies like the washing machine were actually not as liberatory for women as we'd like to think. In fact, they may have actually prevented women from rising up against domestic labor. Helen also talks about how medical care is increasingly being outsourced to home spaces, and why smart home technology is making our lives more convenient, but not necessarily less laborious.Follow our IG shenanigans: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodrobo...Tweet us: https://twitter.com/thegoodrobot1?lan...Watch our TikTok adventures: /thegoodrobotpodcast  

Heather Zheng, a leading researcher in privacy tech from the University of Chicago, dives into her groundbreaking work on surveillance defenses. She discusses her innovative Bracelet of Silence, which uses ultrasonic jamming to thwart unwanted listening. Zheng also highlights Glaze and Nightshade, technologies that help artists protect their work by 'poisoning' AI training data. Additionally, she explores the intriguing concept of using unique body movements for identification, and the importance of making privacy tools accessible and user-friendly.

In this episode we talk to Caroline Sinders, the human rights researcher, an artist, and the founder of convocation, design and research. We begin by talking  about Gamergate, when women were harassed for being gamers.  We also talk about what it's like doing high risk research about abusive misogynists online and experiences of doxing. Just to give you a heads up. We do talk about online harassment in today's episode. If you're facing online harassment and you need immediate help Caroline's organization offers pro bono support, so just email, rapid@convocation.design. And they'll get back to you. 

We’re expected to look amazing online, but also natural. We’re fighting against the gender pay gap, but also spend thousands on cosmetics. In this episode, Ellen Atlanta talks us through the paradoxes of feminism and beauty in the digital sphere.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Isabella Rosner,  a curator at the Royal School of Needlework and a research consultant at Witney Antiques. Isabella tells us about the evolution of embroidery as a technology, and the complex relationship between needlework and feminism. We use this history to shed light on technology and feminism today.

In this episode, we talked to Darren Byler, author of Terror Capitalism and In the Camps, Life in China's High Tech Penal Colony. We discussed his in depth research on Uyghur Muslims in China and the role played by technology in their persecution. If you're just listening to this on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, you can now watch us on YouTube at The Good Robot Podcast.