By Sanaa Mahmud, Research Team Member
The rapid development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) has taken over the technological world. While AI has many benefits and enhances various aspects of our lives, there are inherent flaws in its code that few people stop to think about. One of these individuals is Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist, activist, and public speaker. As an MIT and Oxford University graduate, and nicknamed ‘the poet of code’, Buolamwini is leading the fight against bias in software and computer programming. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, activism, and the quest for inclusivity in the world of technology.
Dr. Joy Boulamwini. Photo Credit: Forbes
Born in Edmonton, Alberta to Ghanaian parents, Buolamwini developed an early interest in technology and its societal impact. She taught herself Javascript, XHTML, and PHP when she was only 9 years old. Additionally, she was a competitive pole vaulter and still carries “sentimental Olympic aspirations” according to her website. Her educational journey took her to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelors of Computer Science. She further pursued her education at Oxford University where she received her Masters in Education Learning and Technology, as well as became a Rhodes Scholar. Buolamwini subsequently pursued a Masters and PhD in Media Arts and Science from the MIT Media Lab.
During her time at Georgia Institute of Technology, Buolamwini stumbled upon an alarming revelation that would later spark her passion of addressing bias in AI. In her viral TED Talk, she shared that while she was working on a project involving facial recognition technology and social robots, the robots would never be able to recognize her face, and she would have to wear a white mask in order to have her face recognized. Shortly after while she was on an exchange trip in Hong Kong, Buolamwini participated in a demo of social robots that could not detect her face once again. Thus, she began to connect the dots that algorithms worldwide were consistently less accurate in identifying the faces of individuals with darker complexions. This discovery led her to coin the term “algorithmic bias” and began her journey to expose the inherent prejudice embedded within AI systems. These flaws in AI work to perpetuate social inequalities and reinforce existing biases. Buolamwini’s monumental research has highlighted the need for diversity and inclusivity in the development of AI technologies.
Buolamwini’s groundbreaking research as a graduate student at MIT exposed the racial and gender prejudices immersed within facial recognition softwares around the world. Her thesis, ‘Facing the Coded Gaze with Evocative Audits and Algorithmic Audits’ uncovered major biases in AI services from prominent companies. Her findings were so significant that Amazon, Microsoft and IBM each suspended their facial recognition offerings as a result, acknowledging that the technology was not yet fit for public use.
To further pursue her goal of addressing algorithmic bias, Buolamwini founded the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL) in 2016. The AJL is an organization dedicated to raise awareness about the social implications and harms of AI through art and research. This organization has made significant impacts in not only AI development, but in the worlds of law and politics. The AJL has played a pivotal role in engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and the general public to promote accountability in the deployment of AI technologies. Buolamwini’s efforts contributed to the passing of the first legislation addressing the use of facial recognition technology in the United States. Buolamwini’s documentary shows her testifying before congress in support of the legislation, which established regulations to ensure transparency and accountability in the deployment of facial recognition systems.
Joy Buolamwini’s efforts transcend normal scientific research, as she claims that she is a product of both art and science. In 2019, she performed a powerful spoken word visual audit called “AI, Ain’t I A Woman?”, which displays the failure of AI to correctly recognize the faces of iconic women like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams. Buolamwini also released her documentary, “A Coded Bias” in 2021, which follows her journey to expose prejudices in facial recognition algorithms and AI. Furthermore, Buolamwini has written publications in The New York Times and TIMES Magazine.
Beyond her research and advocacy, Joy Buolamwini is a role model and inspiration for aspiring technologists, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented communities. She actively promotes diversity in STEM fields and encourages young minds to pursue careers in technology, emphasizing the importance of varied perspectives in creating ethical and unbiased AI systems. Buolamwini has been included in notable lists such as Bloomberg 50, BBC 100 Women, Forbes 30 Under 30, and was the youngest of Forbes Top 50 Women in Tech.
Joy Buolamwini’s journey from uncovering algorithmic bias to becoming a prominent advocate for ethical AI is a testament to the transformative power of individuals committed to positive change. Through her work with the AJL as well as in legislative contexts, Buolamwini continues to create meaningful change in the technology industry. Her passion for challenging the biases within AI and to promote a more inclusive technological future is inspiring to both women in STEM and underrepresented youth. Joy Buolamwini should be a household name, as her story serves as an inspiration for those who believe in the potential of technology to bring about positive change when wielded responsibly and ethically.
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