Silicon Valley’s “Gay-I” problem

Lately

Everyone loves an AI fail, like a few extra fingers on a generated image. But what happens when the flaws of this nascent technology are much more serious? For the LGBTQ+ community, the stakes are high: Machine-learning models and AI-based tech like facial recognition can promote outdated stereotypes and public discrimination.

Our guest, Dr. Sabine Weber, is a computer scientist and an organizer with Queer in AI, a global group of LGBTQ+ researchers and scientists whose mission is to raise awareness of queer issues in artificial intelligence. Weber explains how we got here, how AI is only as good as the data it gobbles up, and the real-world consequences of misrepresentation.

Also, Vass and Katrina discuss how AI tech bros are making the switch from DEI to MEI – and what that might mean for equity in Silicon Valley.

Check out The Zizi Show, a deepfake drag cabaret act created by drag queens when the COVID lockdowns prevented them from performing live. Recommended by Dr. Sabine Weber!

This is Lately. Every week, we take a deep dive into the big, defining trends in business and tech that are reshaping our every day.

Our executive producer is Katrina Onstad. The show is produced by Andrea Varsany. Our sound designer is Cameron McIver.

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