Joy Buolamwini

Dr. Joy Buolamwini is a computer scientist, AI researcher, and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League. Her work has exposed how bias in artificial intelligence systems can reinforce inequality at scale and why the risks of AI go far beyond the headlines. In this conversation, Dr. Buolamwini and I explore how AI systems inherit human bias and why these biases are not just technical flaws, but deeper issues rooted in the data used to train AI. We also talk about the invisible ways AI is already shaping our lives, from algorithmic scoring and data brokers to biometric surveillance systems that most people don’t even realize they are part of. Finally, we explore what she means when she says AI could “kill us slowly.” Not through one dramatic event, but through long-term, systemic harm that limits opportunities, reinforces inequality, and quietly reshapes society over time. Grab a copy of Dr. Joy Buolamwini's book here. Timestamps: 00:00 – Can AI “Kill Us Slowly”? 02:03 – The Origin of the “Coded Gaze” 06:56 – How Bias Gets Embedded in AI Systems 09:25 – The AI Systems Quietly Shaping Your Life 13:30 – Why Biometrics and Surveillance Matter 16:09 – The Risks of Facial Recognition at Airports 23:15 – Existential Risk vs. Systemic Harm 24:29 – What Joy Means by “AI Could Kill Us Slowly” 29:02 – The Corporate Surveillance State 30:49 – When AI Gets It Wrong in the Real World 34:07 – Bias in Healthcare and Wearables 39:41 – How Bias Shows Up in Hiring and Opportunity 46:36 – The Hidden Risks of AI Photo Trends 48:26 – What Parents Should Know About Posting Kids Online 52:18 – The Future of “Faceless” Resistance 55:40 – What You Can Do Right Now 01:01:16 – “Data Isn’t Destiny” 01:06:37 – What Tech Builders Need to Do 01:12:14 – How to Get Involved 01:13:17 – Poetry, Resistance, and Closing Reflections Follow my work here: Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sineadbovell.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sineadbovell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sineadbovell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadbovell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/SineadBovell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/Sineadbovell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sineadbovell

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits previous episodes with activists and advocates Gloria Steinem, Anita Hill, Cindy Gallop, Sonya Passi, and Dr. Joy Buolamwini. These excerpts highlight conversations about power, accountability, and the urgent work of dismantling inequality across culture, institutions, and technology.

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters , Debbie Millman revisits previous episodes with activists and advocates Gloria Steinem, Anita Hill, Cindy Gallop, Sonya Passi, and Dr. Joy Buolamwini. These excerpts highlight conversations about power, accountability, and the urgent work of dismantling inequality across culture, institutions, and technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joy Buolamwini is a computer scientist and a poet of code who uses art and research to illuminate the social implications of artificial intelligence. She joins to discuss her career as the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, her best-selling book Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines, and her featured role in the acclaimed Netflix documentary Coded Bias. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joy Buolamwini is a computer scientist and a poet of code who uses art and research to illuminate the social implications of artificial intelligence. She joins to discuss her career as the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, her best-selling book Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines, and her featured role in the acclaimed Netflix documentary Coded Bias.

Dr. Joy Buolamwini is a computer scientist and a poet of code who uses art and research to illuminate the social implications of artificial intelligence. She joins to discuss her career as the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, her best-selling book Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines , and her featured role in the acclaimed Netflix documentary Coded Bias . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Pioneers of AI is bringing back one of our favorite and first episodes. It’s our conversation with Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of Algorithmic Justice League and poet of code. In this episode, we explore how bias in data sets and algorithms, especially in facial recognition, is crucial to AI’s future, how Dr. Buolamwini uncovered the deep roots and impacts of bias in AI, and how to mitigate its harms. Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/ Follow Pioneers of AI on all channels: https://linktr.ee/pioneersofai At the center of AI is people, so we want to hear from you! Share your experiences with AI — or ask us a burning question — by leaving a voicemail at 601-633-2424. Your voice could be featured in a future episode! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

In the face of unbridled AI development and incoming President Trump’s close advisors who happen to be big investors in AI, it’s more important than ever to raise the alarm about areas of concern. Stacey Abrams speaks to Joy Buolamwini, the AI researcher and artist who brought to national attention the way bias is coded into artificial intelligence, particularly in facial recognition technology – what Buolamwini coined the “coded gaze.” They discuss what we should know about the pitfalls and potentials of AI today, and Buolamwini invites listeners to join the ongoing mission of the Algorithmic Justice League to raise awareness about the impact of AI and how we can all contribute to a more equitable use of the technology. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. Learn & Do More: Watch Coded Bias on Netflix Order Joy Buolamwini’s book Unmasking AI Join the Algorithmic Justice League

What happens when technology isn’t held accountable? Dr. Joy Buolamwini , founder of the Algorithmic Justice League , is here to guide us through AI’s power, pitfalls, and potential. From exposing bias in facial recognition to championing ethical AI, Dr. Joy is leading the charge to protect what makes us human in a world dominated by machines. As a Rhodes Scholar, MIT researcher, and author of Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines , Dr. Joy’s groundbreaking work has reshaped the conversation on AI ethics. Her viral TED Talk and the Emmy-nominated documentary Coded Bias highlight the real-world consequences of unchecked technology and why ethical AI is essential for everyone. AI isn’t inherently good or evil—it’s a tool. How we use it defines its impact, and being human isn’t just a feature—it’s the whole point. Connect with Dr. Joy: Website: www.Unmasking.ai Algorithmic Justice League: https://www.ajl.org/ Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670356/unmasking-ai-by-dr-joy-buolamwini/ Poet of Code: https://www.poetofcode.com/ TSA Facial Scan Opt Out: https://www.ajl.org/campaigns/fly Related Podcast Episodes: 202 / Building Your Email Lists & Websites with Brittni Schroeder 172 / Boomers to Gen Z - Understanding Generational Differences with Kim Lear Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The future is here, and it looks like deepfakes of real people saying fake things, chatbots claiming to have human-level consciousness, and evil robots ready to take everyone’s jobs. Artificial Intelligence, while only just recently becoming widespread and accessible, is transforming our world in ways that make understanding it more crucial than ever. Joining me for today’s important conversation on the ethical implications of AI is Dr. Joy Buolamwini. She is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, an award-winning researcher, and poet of code. Dr. Joy is the author of the national best-selling book, Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines. During our conversation, we examined some of the basic definitions, players, and concerns associated with AI, how biases are transferred in the creation of AI and then reflected in its application, and lastly, the specific challenges AI poses particularly for communities of color. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Buolamwini Support the Algorithmic Justice League Read ‘Unmasking AI: My Mission To Protect What Is Human In A World Of Machines” Instagram Website Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox . If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory . Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop . The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession . Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producer: Tyree Rush Associate Producer: Zariah Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future is here, and it looks like deepfakes of real people saying fake things, chatbots claiming to have human-level consciousness, and evil robots ready to take everyone’s jobs. Artificial Intelligence, while only just recently becoming widespread and accessible, is transforming our world in ways that make understanding it more crucial than ever. Joining me for today’s important conversation on the ethical implications of AI is Dr. Joy Buolamwini. She is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, an award-winning researcher, and poet of code. Dr. Joy is the author of the national best-selling book, Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines. During our conversation, we examined some of the basic definitions, players, and concerns associated with AI, how biases are transferred in the creation of AI and then reflected in its application, and lastly, the specific challenges AI poses particularly for communities of color. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Buolamwini Support the Algorithmic Justice League Read ‘Unmasking AI: My Mission To Protect What Is Human In A World Of Machines” Instagram Website Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox . If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory . Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop . The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producer: Tyree Rush Associate Producer: Zariah TaylorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Book your stay today at Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa and start making memories that last a lifetime. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/breathless-riviera-cancun/brerc Never miss an episode, subscribe to the Girlboss Radio podcast . AI is everywhere. So what does that mean for jobs? Are they all going to be obsolete in the next 10 years? And how can we prepare ourselves—and our careers—for the future? In this episode, Dr. Joy Buolamwini answers all of your most pressing AI questions. She is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, an award-winning researcher, and a “poet of code.” As the author of the national best-selling book Unmasking AI , Dr. Joy has dedicated her career to uncovering and addressing racial and gender biases in artificial intelligence. With degrees from both Oxford and MIT, and recognition as one of Forbes ’ Top 50 Women in Tech, she shares invaluable insights and advice for navigating the complexities of this ever-changing technology. In the age of AI, protecting ourselves starts with knowing our rights and options—like the right to refuse facial recognition technology at airports and identifying which AI tools are ethical (and which ones aren’t—looking at you, ChatGPT). In our conversation, Avery and Dr. Joy dive into the positive sides of AI and the future of work, exploring how it can enhance feedback, boost efficiency, and streamline summarizing information. But she also emphasizes the importance of being cautious about how we adopt AI, both in our workplaces and beyond. Dr. Joy shines a light on the real consequences of flawed systems, particularly for marginalized communities, leading to wrongful arrests, misidentifications, and discriminatory hiring. She highlights how crucial representation and storytelling are in raising awareness about the limitations and biases of AI. So, while AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, we hope this conversation eases your anxiety, and offers you the knowledge and perspective needed to engage thoughtfully with the technology shaping our world. It’s better to prepare for the future than try to avoid it. 👋 Follow Dr. Joy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetofcode/ 👩‍💻 Learn more about Dr. Joy here: https://www.poetofcode.com/ 📖 Read Unmasking AI : https://fave.co/47Behe0 📺 Watch Coded Bias on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81328723 🤖 Read more about AI and the future of work: https://girlboss.com/blogs/read/tagged/ai 📷 Follow Girlboss Radio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlbossrally/ 💻 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/girlboss 💌 Subscribe to our daily newsletter: https://girlboss.com/pages/newsletter 💼 Find your dream job or post open roles: https://jobs.girlboss.com/ 📚 Did you know Girlboss has courses? Check them out here: https://course.girlboss.com/collections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices