Abstract

The pervasiveness of Information Technology (IT), notably the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), presents many challenges to matters of fairness, equity, and social justice. Bias and discrimination in AI undermines a fair treatment, especially of marginalized groups. Furthermore, the concentration of power and decision-making within large tech conglomerates, coupled with the current workings of the data-driven economy, diminishes public accountability. Disparities in access to technology compound existing socioeconomic inequalities, limiting societal participation for certain groups. Aligning technological development processes with democratic values and social justice principles calls for a systemic sociotechnical approach. In my talk, I will present examples from my research group’s current work and discuss questions of fairness, participation and design interventions through the lens of Donna Haraway’s concept of response-ability.