Ideas worth spreading

How I'm fighting bias in algorithms

1,687,860 views |

Joy Buolamwini |

TEDxBeaconStreet

• November 2016

MIT grad student Joy Buolamwini was working with facial analysis software when she noticed a problem: the software didn't detect her face -- because the people who coded the algorithm hadn't taught it to identify a broad range of skin tones and facial structures. Now she's on a mission to fight bias in machine learning, a phenomenon she calls the "coded gaze." It's an eye-opening talk about the need for accountability in coding ... as algorithms take over more and more aspects of our lives.

MIT grad student Joy Buolamwini was working with facial analysis software when she noticed a problem: the software didn't detect her face -- because the people who coded the algorithm hadn't taught it to identify a broad range of skin tones and facial structures. Now she's on a mission to fight bias in machine learning, a phenomenon she calls the "coded gaze." It's an eye-opening talk about the need for accountability in coding ... as algorithms take over more and more aspects of our lives.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBeaconStreet, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Donate to the Algorithmic Justice League.

Fight coded bias by taking action through sharing your story, spreading the word and getting involved.

Sign up for the Algorithmic Justice League Newsletter.

Follow Joy Buolamwini on Twitter.

About the speaker

Joy Buolamwini

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Joy Buolamwini's research explores the intersection of social impact technology and inclusion.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBeaconStreet, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Donate to the Algorithmic Justice League.

Fight coded bias by taking action through sharing your story, spreading the word and getting involved.

Sign up for the Algorithmic Justice League Newsletter.

Follow Joy Buolamwini on Twitter.