Joy Buolamwini is a computer scientist, digital activist, and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL). Based at the MIT Media Lab, her research documented racial and gender bias in commercial facial recognition systems from companies including IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Background
Buolamwini's 2018 "Gender Shades" study examined commercial facial recognition systems and reported disparities in accuracy across racial and gender groups. The study is one of the empirical investigations of algorithmic bias in commercial facial recognition systems from IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Roles and activities
Buolamwini founded the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL). Her work has been cited in connection with municipal and corporate moratoriums on facial recognition technology and with the development of Algorithmic Accountability and Bias Audits legislation. She has testified before Congress on facial recognition systems.
Positions and statements
Buolamwini has framed AI surveillance as a civil rights issue. Her research has been associated with the development of regulations such as NYC Local Law 144 (Automated Employment Decision Tools), which requires bias audits for automated employment decision tools, and with how policymakers approach the regulation of biometric systems.
Relationships
- supports: Algorithmic Accountability and Bias Audits — research provides empirical basis for accountability frameworks
- related: AI and Surveillance — work on facial recognition directly addresses surveillance concerns
- related: NYC Local Law 144 (Automated Employment Decision Tools) — her advocacy influenced automated decision-tool regulation