Watch Coded Bias

"Coded Bias" is a documentary that explores the hidden biases embedded in algorithms that power today's technologies like facial recognition and predictive policing. The film follows the journey of Joy Buolamwini, a black computer scientist at MIT, who noticed that facial recognition technology fails to accurately recognize darker skin tones and frequently misgendered women. Troubled by the implications of this bias in the technology, she founded the Algorithmic Justice League, an organization that raises awareness about the problems related to algorithmic decision-making, especially when they involve traditionally marginalized communities.

The movie is directed by Shalini Kantayya, who brings together the perspectives of several experts, including scholars, data privacy activists, and computer scientists. Meredith Broussard, author of the book "Artificial Unintelligence," leads viewers on a captivating journey as she illustrates how algorithms work and how they can make mistakes. Cathy O'Neil, a mathematician, data scientist, and author of the book "Weapons of Math Destruction," adds insights into the ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making.

The film raises vital questions about the dangers of relying on technology that is, by its design, discriminatory. By using existing examples of the negative impacts of AI and the problematic systems hidden in algorithms, the movie highlights how technology can perpetuate and amplify existing social disparities, including racism, sexism, and economic inequality. By giving voice to the experiences of people whose lives have been impacted by algorithmic bias, the documentary effectively draws attention to the need for transparency, accountability, and regulation of AI systems.

The documentary "Coded Bias" presents the dystopian reality of how algorithms are used today to automate decision making in healthcare, criminal justice, and employment systems. The film breaks down the math and statistics behind algorithms and demonstrates how algorithms can cause harm. For example, it highlights the case of Xiaoxing Xi, a Chinese-American physicist, a former-chair of the physics department at Temple University. He was falsely accused of spying for China, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) used facial recognition technology as evidence during his conviction. The film indicates that the FBI's system was flawed and highlights the negative consequences when unchecked technology is used on an individual level.

The documentary also reveals the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to the need for AI that is ethical and bias-free. It highlights the role of tech companies in shaping algorithms that perpetuate biases and how they maintain secrecy around the intended use of the technology. The technology has a real impact on people's lives, yet those who design, develop, and implement it have little accountability for the potential harm caused.

In "Coded Bias," the Algorithmic Justice League employs an "audit-AI" approach to generate mutual accountability between corporate uses and the community that experiences the impact of AI. By creating a shared language between policymakers, industry experts, and affected communities, the documentary demonstrates how it can support human rights, democracy, and equitable access to technology for all.

Overall, "Coded Bias" is a thought-provoking documentary that exposes one of the most pressing issues of our time. The filmmakers adeptly use the real experiences of people whose lives have been impacted by algorithmic discrimination to illustrate the need for AI regulation, transparency, and accountability. The film moves beyond being a mere representation of the issues to offer solutions to the larger flaws in the system. It is a must-watch for anyone who is passionate about the future of technology and its impact on our society.

Coded Bias is a 2020 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 73.