TechCrunch Launches Series Highlighting Women in AI: Meet Sandra Wachter
TechCrunch is shining a spotlight on remarkable women in the AI field with a new series of interviews. One of the featured women is Sandra Wachter, a professor and senior researcher in data ethics, AI, robotics, algorithms, and regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute.
During her time at The Alan Turing Institute, Wachter focused on evaluating the ethical and legal aspects of data science. She highlighted cases where opaque algorithms have led to racist and sexist outcomes and explored ways to audit AI to combat disinformation and promote fairness.
In a recent Q&A, Wachter shared her journey into AI, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between innovation and human rights. She discussed her work on bias and fairness in machine learning, revealing the harmful impact of certain fairness measures in practice.
When asked about navigating the male-dominated tech industry, Wachter highlighted the importance of finding allies and mentors. She encouraged women entering the AI field to seek out like-minded individuals for support and collaboration.
Wachter also addressed pressing issues facing AI, including biased data, opaque decision-making processes, and the potential for generative AI to contribute to misinformation and job displacement. She emphasized the need for responsible AI development and the importance of implementing laws and regulations to ensure ethical innovation.
In closing, Wachter urged investors to push for responsible AI, emphasizing that ethical practices can lead to both legal compliance and profitability. She stressed the importance of viewing ethics as an investment rather than a hindrance.
As the AI industry continues to evolve, voices like Sandra Wachter’s are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and responsible future for technology. Stay tuned for more profiles in TechCrunch’s series highlighting women in AI.