AJL's End of Year Update

Dear Champion of AJL,

As 2019 comes to an end, AJL reflects on the many ways this year has been an advancement for the cause of algorithmic justice. Using advocacy, research, and art, AJL's aim is to continue raising awareness about the harms of AI while pushing for protections in 2020.

We are thrilled to share how AJL is wrapping up 2019 with a few of the latest highlights, including: the inaugural Drag vs AI workshop, and TIME 100 Next list.

There's also a very special announcement heading into the New Year that may include the word: Sundance!

For more insights and behind-the-scenes looks into AJL exhibition and events, consider joining Poet of Code’s Patreon.

All the best,
The AJL Team

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Coded Bias Documentary to World Premiere at
Sundance Film Festival 2020

We are excited to officially announce our documentary Coded Bias, directed by Shalini Kantayya will have its world premiere near the snowy slopes of Salt Lake City, Utah at Sundance Film Festival 2020.

Coded Bias explores the fallout of Joy Buolamwini’s startling discovery that facial recognition does not see dark-skinned faces accurately, and her journey to push for the first-ever legislation in the U.S. to govern against bias in the algorithms that impact us all.

Moving to Emory University

Starting in January, Joy and AJL Headquarters will be moving to Atlanta! For Spring 2020 semester, Joy will take up a Predoctoral Research Fellowship at Emory University.

ARTS

Drag vs AI Workshop in Partnership with ACLU Massachusetts & Boston Public Library

Together with The Boston Public Library’s Teen Central and the ACLU of Massachusetts, the AJL team hosted the first-of-its-kind “Drag vs. AI” workshop.

The idea is to explore identity, gender presentations, face surveillance, AI, and the consequences of algorithmic bias.

Joy brought the AI and facial analysis teachings, while veteran drag performer Sham Payne brought the make-up and props. Then, the fun began!

Through makeup artistry, the teens attempted to ‘drag’ the machine by confronting its ‘Coded Gaze’-- testing age, gender, mood, and identity. The workshop concluded with a runway walk to showcase all of the spectacularly creative looks!

100,000 visitors for AI : More Than Human touring exhibition in the Netherlands

The first touring venue for the Barbican AI: More than Human opened the exhibition to the public in Groningen, Netherlands. In the first week of operation, the exhibition received 100,000 visitors!

More information on the exhibition here: https://forum.nl/

ADVOCACY

Massachusetts State Hearing on Facial Surveillance

The Hearing for a face surveillance moratorium in Massachusetts was truly historic.

Alongside, ACLU of Massachusetts, Data for Black Lives, Defense Attorney Rachael Rollins, law enforcement officials, experts, lawmakers, advocates & a full room of supporters, Joy testified to #PressPause on face surveillance.

For more ways on how to join the fight & #PressPause, learn more at: https://www.aclum.org/…/massachusetts-ready-press-pause-fac…

Victory! Brooklyn Tenants Win Against Landlord's Facial Recognition Technology

Earlier this year, Brooklyn tenants protested against facial recognition entry systems. AJL wrote an amicus letter in support, and the tenants have won! The residents' management group reversed their decision of installing facial recognition technology on the premises.

RESEARCH

New Publication at the Upcoming
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Society 2020 Conference

AJL's new publication "Saving Face: Towards an Ethically-Informed Approach to Facial Recognition Auditing" has been accepted to the forthcoming AAAI AIES Conference 2020.

For more information: https://www.aies-conference.com/2020/

MEDIA

TIME 100 Next Honoree

We are honored to announce Joy Buolamwini has been named a TIME 100 Next honoree.

Read more about who is on the inaugural TIME 100 Next list: https://time.com/collection/time-100-next-2019/5718893/joy-buolamwini/

WIRED25: Stories of People Who Are Racing to Save Us

WIRED25 people and groups offer real hope that we can fix the mistakes of the past and still have a chance for a future we can survive.

Essence Magazine: “These Black Women Are Fighting For Justice In A World of Biased Algorithms”

In Essence’s #BlackWomenIn, black women engineers, professors, and government experts speak about being on the front lines of the civil rights movement of our time.

PBS Frontline: “Artificial Intelligence Can Be Biased. Here’s What You Should Know”

PBS Frontline interviews Joy Buolamwini on the biases of AI in conjunction with the release of their documentary, In The Age of AI.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

For an in-depth look back on AJL's 2019, check out our previous Newsletter updates here:

POET OF CODE JOINS PATREON

The fight for algorithmic justice takes many forms. Becoming a Patron is just one way to support by enabling art and creative science communications projects that raise awareness about AI harms.

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