Computer says criminal

What to do if the algorithm considers you a criminal? With journalist Madhumita Murgia we discuss what fair, inclusive, and transparent AI looks like.

An automated grading system in the UK downgraded students from disadvantaged areas. The Dutch student finance agency DUO used code to scan for fraud, which prioritized checking students with a migrant background. And the Toeslagenaffaire saw thousands of families falsely accused of fraud with child benefits due to a discriminatory algorithm disadvantaging people with a low income.

AI systems around the world are quietly reshaping human lives – often at the cost of the most vulnerable. Together with Madhumita Murgia, author of the critically acclaimed book Code-Dependent, we’ll examine how these systems come to be, who builds them – and who bears the cost. How can we ensure that AI in our society is fair, inclusive, and transparent? And how do we make citizens active participants in shaping these technologies?

About Madhumita Murgia
Madhumita Murgia is tech journalist at Financial Times and author of Code-Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI. She shares the stories of people around the world whose lives have been profoundly affected by algorithmic systems. In her view, AI is often not only opaque, but also ungovernable — and therefore dangerous.

Technology has become an inseparable part of our lives, but do we pay enough attention to it? During Techdenkers we explore the ethical implications of technological innovation. What influence does the arrival of AI have on our lives? How are we going to solve the climate crisis with the help of technology? And do we want algorithms to determine our choice of partner?

The Techdenkers series is provided and broadcast by De Balie and is part of our partnership with Adyen.