However, this can be fixed

During the last months we’ve seen how BIPOC have been attacked around the world in an humongous wave of violence. This situation is not different from previous years or decades, the only thing that happens now is that this actions are being recorded. There’s an evidence that can’t be denied. And we also see how AI is being weaponized against minorities around the world.

That’s why at this moment there are questions that arise and that the whole society should discuss. We should start learning that technology is not the only solution to our problems. I think it’s something difficult to think at this stage where we see that every task is being automatized.

That’s the difference between a good data scientist and an outstanding one. We should have in our teams those who can accept honestly that some projects can also be done without AI’s help.

We see how Google is for many of us a synonym of Internet (specially for our elders) and how this tool is the absolute truth. If your company doesn’t appear on their first page you don’t exist. And what about the recommendations that the page gives you whilst you’re typing? Are they always helpful? Are they trying to keep the status quo?

This also happened with images regarding professions and professional haircuts where only white people appeared. This little issues with no importance shape the way individuals see each other and themselves and this is a great responsibility. There must always be people pointing social inequalities and injustice.

One way to solve this problem is by creating ourselves our own search engines, but that requires investments and accessibility to all the information that is out there. However, our efforts can’t compete with tech giants that are supported by public institutions. Breaking down monopolies like this can only be possible with the government’s help. Public search systems could be founded if they help fostering them.

Probably you’re thinking that you can’t do anything to change this situation, but, to be honest, changes are made by anonymous people who highlight these inequalities. Little actions can do so much for so many. You can help by educating yourself. Nowadays there are multiple ways of learning about these topics: documentaries, talks, scientific papers, book club groups…

You can support by spreading the word to your friends and colleagues and if you work in the tech industry you can ask your company to be more accountable regarding AI transparency.

It’s difficult to push back the narrative, but not impossible. Tech literacy is a skill that everyone should have. In 2021 it’s not enough knowing how to use a search engine, write an e-mail or upload a file in the cloud. What we need is more people who know how about their digital rights, who can easily detect what’s real and what’s not and who can provide a solution to digital failure systems.

I’m thinking specially on women of color, those who are being more affected by AI bias. We must think other ways of creating tech in a more ethical way. However, there are accomplishments to be celebrated. Little by little the paradigm seems to be shifting as there are more calls addressing to structural racism and other kind of inequalities, but there are still many conversations pending.

People are aware that tech is made only for a few. That’s the reason why those who aren’t invited are empowering themselves and want to understand how AI and big data work.

I would like to hear your thoughts about the tech hype and the rising cases of AI biases. Did you know that by next year 85% of the algorithms will be biased in some way? How do you think we can change the status quo?