Does Tech Discriminate?

Are we in danger of ingraining deep-seated prejudices into the technology we use on a daily basis? 

Discrimination continues to have a serious, measurable impact on everyday life in the twenty-first century, and though conscious and subconscious human decisions have historically been the major driver of discrimination. But increasingly the technology we rely on so heavily is becoming part of the problem. 

Facial recognition systems, online search algorithms and social media echo chambers are just some examples of technology that has the potential to amplify discrimination, and as machine learning and AI systems become more advanced, how do we ensure they are free of their creators’ prejudices? How can we create technology that works for everyone? 

Our panel of experts will come together to discuss and debate the issues as well as explore solutions to the risks of bias in tech. Speakers include: 

• Ortis Deley (chair): The Gadget Show presenter, radio DJ and actor who has appeared as a guest technology reporter on programmes including the BBC One’s The One Show and BBC Breakfast News
• Alexander Fefegha: co-founder & director of creative technology at design studio COMUZI. Alex is also an associate lecturer at the University of Arts London's creative computing institute, teaching a module on computational futures and artificial intelligence
• Alice Piterova: Managing Director of AI for Good, the social enterprise building AI-powered products for the most vulnerable and underserved. Alice has over 15 years of experience in business and product management, and a particular focus on such fields as tech for good, data privacy and machine learning
• Charlton McIlwain: Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU Steinhardt & author of Black Software: The Internet & Racial Justice, From the AfroNet to Black Lives Matter’
• Malika Malik: AI practitioner, Data & Artificial Intelligence Architect at Microsoft UK, and an advocate of diversity and inclusion in technology. Malika was on Computer Weekly's 'Most Influential Women in the UK' longlist for 2020, was a Tech Women 100 UK winner in 2019 and is an expert advisor to the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI

This event is a part of the Science Museum Group’s Open Talk programme, a series of events that aims to promote STEM to everyone and to encourage an understanding of both the causes and effects of discrimination.