The rapid integration of AI into all aspects of society raises urgent questions and presents significant dangers. AI technologies have been introduced in a range of sectors, with claims that automating sensitive social decisions improves outcomes and increases efficiency. From facial recognition and predictive policing data to automated HR – if these tools are being threaded through some of our most sensitive social institutions, what are the guardrails, and how do we ensure that patterns of discrimination are not replicated? Mounting evidence shows that these systems often produce harmful and biased results, in ways that are hard to contest and often hidden behind corporate secrecy. Meredith Whittaker is a Distinguished Research Scientist at New York University (NYU) and the Co-founder of the AI Now Institute at NYU, which investigates the political and social implications of artificial intelligence. Meredith has worked extensively on matters of privacy and security, advising governments and civil society organisations on both policy direction and technical implementation. At Falling Walls, Meredith will stress the urgency of addressing the problems of biased or harmful AI, and call for a serious structural change – including  greater accountability – in how technology is developed and how tech corporations are run, before bad AI infiltrates our infrastructure and it’s too late.

Further Activities to have a look at

We use cookies and other technologies to collect data about your use of our site and about your browser, device and location. We process this data to help us understand how the site is used and to personalize our content and the advertising you see on this and other sites we also share this data with advertising, social media and analytics partners for the same purposes. By choosing “Accept All” you agree that we store cookies on your device and process the data for the aforementioned purposes . You may revoke your consent at any time by choosing the respective settings. For more information on the processing of personal data and what specific services we use see our Privacy Policy

Privacy Preference Center

We use cookies and other technologies to collect data about your use of our site and about your browser, device and location. We process this data to help us understand how the site is used and to personalize our content and the advertising you see on this and other sites we also share this data with advertising, social media and analytics partners for the same purposes. By choosing “Accept All” you agree that we store cookies on your device and process the data for the aforementioned purposes . You may revoke your consent at any time by choosing the respective settings. For more information on the processing of personal data and what specific services we use see our Privacy Policy

Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required to provide you with our site and its functions. Since storing these cookies is necessary for the provision of our site and its functions, you cannot disable them. If you block these cookies via you browser settings our site may not function properly.

Analyse Cookies

These cookies enable us to use website analytics in order to improve our site or provide you with personalized content. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages.

Marketing Cookies

These cookies enable us to use online marketing and advertising in order to provide you on this or on other sites with personalized advertisement. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages.