The facial recognition software … couldn’t ‘see’ her dark-skinned face unless she put on a white mask

Jan 29, 2019

The facial recognition software … couldn’t ‘see’ her dark-skinned face unless she put on a white mask

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.

Note from SunShower: our programs can help you develop your ability to track your biases.

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