Panel Discussion on the Film Coded Bias | Theoretically Speaking

On May 7, the Simons Institute hosted a panel discussion on the film Coded Bias, as part of our Theoretically Speaking public lecture series.

When MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini discovers that most facial-recognition software does not accurately identify darker-skinned faces and the faces of women, she delves into an investigation of widespread bias in algorithms. Directed by Shalini Kantayya, Coded Bias follows Joy’s exploration of the impacts of machine learning algorithms, and her effort to secure federal legislation to protect civil liberties from the unregulated use of algorithms in law enforcement, hiring, and beyond.

Shalini joined us for this panel discussion on the role of algorithms in society, and the emerging field of algorithmic fairness. Also participating on the panel were Seny Kamara (Brown University Department of Computer Science and Aroki Systems), Sendhil Mullainathan (University of Chicago Booth School of Business), Omer Reingold (Stanford University Computer Science Department), and Patricia Williams (Northeastern University School of Law). The panel was moderated by Ashia Wilson (MIT).

Watch Coded Bias online on Netflix or PBS.