April 1, 2025
Waymos’ lack of humanity may help rationalize violence, Co-Director says
KQED
The recent rash of vandalism targeting Waymos (driverless robotaxis) raises questions about why these cars inspire hostility. TPL Co-Director Ryan Calo explores this topic and public anxiety over artificial intelligence in a KQED radio story. He posits that since Waymos are robots that lack any characteristics of humans, they are easier for humans to target […]
MoreMarch 3, 2025
Power intersecting with media is impacting free speech, Co-Director says
KUOW/NPR
Ownership of platforms by politically powerful leaders is creating an environment of bullying and fear, Co-Director Ryan Calo said in a recent segment on KUOW. “What we’re seeing today that’s new is that some of the most influential voices who are bullying other Americans also have the reins of power, whether that be because they […]
MoreFebruary 20, 2025
‘StarTalk’ welcomes Co-Director emeritus to discuss human values and tech
StarTalk
Co-Director emeritus Batya Friedman was a featured guest on Neil deGrasse Tyson’s most recent episode of “StarTalk,” a podcast that bridges the intersection between science, pop culture and comedy. Friedman joined to discuss the challenges of designing a future where human values and AI coexist, and what it looks like to integrate ethics and human […]
MoreFebruary 3, 2025
Control over AI can mean extreme power, Co-Director says
Good Day Seattle/Fox13
Co-Founder Ryan Calo recently joined Good Day Seattle to discuss the future of AI and the Trump administration investment in the technology. “There’s a lot of people in this administration … that think of this technology, of AI, as the most important technology of our time,” Calo said. “And furthermore, they think that whoever controls […]
MoreFebruary 1, 2025
Co-Director’s research named to top 10 stories in 2024
Montreal AI Ethics Institute
Research by Co-Director Aylin Caliskan and UW Information School Ph.D. student Kyra Wilson was named one of the top 10 stories in ethics and responsible AI for 2024 by the Montreal AI Ethics Institute. The AI Ethics Brief post notes that “Gender, Race, and Intersectional Bias in Resume Screening via Language Model Retrieval” highlights the […]
MoreJanuary 20, 2025
Society + Technology convenes panel for first community event
GeekWire
The Society + Technology program recently held its inaugural convening, centered around a cross-disciplinary panel and messages from UW President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio. Coverage in GeekWire highlighted the intention of the S+T initiative and the program’s growing community footprint. “We put society first, very intentionally, in the name of the initiative, […]
MoreJanuary 18, 2025
Trump’s next moves on TikTok ban are far from clear cut, Co-Director says
The New York Times
Co-Director Ryan Calo recently spoke with The New York Times about potential moves the new President could make to circumvent a looming TikTok ban. “You could have a policy not to enforce this ban,” Calo said. “But I think that maybe conservative companies would just be like: ‘OK, you’re not going to enforce it. But […]
MoreDecember 13, 2024
Co-Director notes consumer tracking may have unequal impact
KUOW
Whether you’re doing most of your shopping online or in-person, your habits may be tracked, according to a new KUOW article. Surveillance technology can glean a lot of information about consumers, and Co-Director Ryan Calo worries its impact is disproportionate. “Systemically speaking, when companies study consumers for their own benefit, consumers can get harmed by […]
MoreNovember 11, 2024
Politics will have mixed impact on tech, Co-Director says
KUOW
Co-Director Ryan Calo encouraged caution when examining the future political climate in a new KUOW piece. Tech leaders have seemed optimistic about the Trump administration in recent statements but Calo urged caution. “The benefits of a Trump administration for the tech sector will not be evenly distributed.” He said that while Trump policies could benefit […]
MoreNovember 10, 2024
‘Bot or Not?’ series highlights Co-Director’s work
GeekWire
GeekWire recently highlighted a study by Co-Director Aylin Caliskan showing critical bias in resume screening technology. “Gender, Race, and Intersectional Bias in Resume Screening via Language Model Retrieval” is discussed as part of GeekWire’s “Bot or Not?” series exploring the relationship between humans and machines. Caliskan worked with Information School Ph.D. student Kyra Wilson on […]
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