AI Ethics Unleashed: Takeaways from My GitHub Universe Discussion
The Experience: Engaging Tech Leaders Amidst Art and Innovation
I was selected to lead a discussion at GitHub Universe, representing Red Hat out of thousands of applicants. It was a distinct honor.
What added a unique layer to this experience was the opportunity to host Github Universe’s first community discussion lounge session—an endeavor that unfolded in the inspiring backdrop of a museum just across the street from the SFMOMA.
Here are the key takeaways that made my speaker experience unforgettable :
1. 🖼 Unconventional Settings Spark Innovation: The unexpected locale of a museum provided a refreshing twist to the traditional conference setting. Surrounded by art and creativity, our discussions were infused with a unique energy that transcended the ordinary.
2. 🎮 Creative Event Design: From the donut station to the immersive arcade setup to the ice cream station, GitHub Universe paid meticulous attention to detail. Each element from the community input wall, the lighting to the snacks to the recording booth rooms, contributed to an immersive experience that went beyond the ordinary tech event. * Red Hat also contributed fresh juices and added a refreshing twist to the event! *
3. 🎤 Investment in Speaker Experience & Success: What truly distinguished this experience was the genuine care extended to speakers. Beyond the tangible delights, such as the speaker’s after party in the SFMOMA, programmable name tag, and speaker gift card for the GitHub store, the event organizers provided a speaking coach. This personalized support ensured that we felt cared for and prepared to deliver a meaningful discussion.
We also had calls before the event to connect with fellow speakers. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of camaraderie, enabling us to share insights and experiences and collectively elevate the quality of our respective discussions.
Lastly, GitHub’s commitment to valuing speakers' time is commendable, exemplified by their practice of compensating speakers with a meaningful honorarium, recognizing the importance of equitable recognition for their time of preparation, dedication, and the unique value speakers bring to elevate the tech community. DEI advocacy & engagement is in fact WORK and it should be valued monetarily as such.
The Talk
In my talk titled: “Unlocking the Power of AI in Open Source the Ethical Way," I delved into the critical gaps and technology risks surrounding ethical AI, taking an honest look at where we were at in the ethical AI space.
I highlighted the rapid evolution of AI technology outpacing regulations. While well-intentioned, top-down policies, most recently the executive order from Biden, can often fall short on enforcement and tend to focus more on the regulation of competition than the actual safeguarding of marginalized individuals. Additionally, socioeconomic inequality and a lack of diversity in AI development contribute to power imbalances, further excluding marginalized communities from the process.
Moreover, the absence of consistent spaces for open community conversations around AI ethics can lead to a widening gap in inclusive AI development and perpetuate harms generated by AI technology. This lack of dialogue hampers the building of coalitions necessary for comprehensive ethical frameworks that protect people.
Transitioning to specific technology risks, I underscored the importance of addressing data privacy and security concerns. For example, AI tools, including program pairing tools, while powerful, introduce risks of exposing sensitive data like secrets. Also called out while, the success and productivity gains of AI tools are undeniable creators’ rights, and the potential for plagiarism and copyright issues will be a conflict to overcome.
While no tool is perfect, it is great to see Github leaving space at the Universe event to have a real and honest conversation about AI ethics. Speaking of that, check out their Trust Center for more information on measures they take around Copilot.
Overall I stressed, that algorithmic bias remains a pervasive issue. Without rigorous testing throughout the AI development life cycle, AI can and will continue to be weaponized to perpetuate harmful biases from policing to phishing attacks, exacerbating social inequalities.
Finally, I highlighted the environmental impact, emphasizing the need to minimize the massive carbon footprints of AI models. With projections indicating that AI data centers could surpass the electricity consumption of an entire country by 2027 (Source)
The call to action in the talk was clear: as a community, we must collaboratively address these gaps and technology risks, steering AI development in a responsible direction that doesn’t infringe on the rights of already marginalized individuals. Our collective voices are essential in shaping a future where AI benefits everyone while safeguarding privacy, inclusivity, and sustainability in the process.
The Outcome
In our 45-minute session, I presented three key questions to the audience, aiming to achieve a straightforward yet profound goal: to unify the community. While 45 minutes is not nearly enough time, the mission was to cultivate a community consensus by pinpointing the genuine challenges, highlighting both similarities and disparities within the AI field. Additionally, I created a space to share best practices in implementing responsible AI strategies in day-to-day work and left room for the group to collaboratively identify what a collective path forward for the community could look like.
Here is the data I collected on each working group’s response:
The Value of the Discussion
In steering away the talk from proposing 1 theory or set of recommendations, I transformed the session into a communal ethical AI therapy session where we could come to a consensus about how we can chart a sustainable path ahead that prioritizes people not just profit.
The true value of this discussion lies in the planting of a seed of advocacy and enhancing scrutiny in technologists' daily work and lives. The value lies in collective introspection and sharing experiences around ethical AI and technology at large.
By refraining from influencing the conversation and instead observing and encouraging the audience to reflect and contribute, the session evolved into a forum of immense value.
Tech leaders and contributors had the opportunity to articulate their grievances, express concerns, and offer thoughtful insights on the ethical implications of their work in AI. This not only empowered individuals to voice their perspectives but also reinforced a sense of community where the challenges and dilemmas of the tech industry were openly acknowledged and addressed.
The diverse input and collaborative dialogue laid the foundation for a more informed, empathetic, and connected tech community. It emphasized that, in navigating the complexities of AI ethics, our collective voices and shared experiences are all valuable.
Overall, this discussion wasn’t just about information transfer; it was about fostering a sense of unity, understanding, and shared responsibility in shaping a more ethical future for AI development for all.
In conclusion, in the bustling heart of the tech landscape, GitHub Universe stood out as an event that not only embraced innovation in technology but also in the way discussions were conducted. The thoughtful event design, combined with a genuine focus on speaker success and community building, made this experience truly exceptional. It was more than just a speaking engagement; it was an immersive journey into the heart of tech innovation, set against the backdrop of art and community.
Hope to see you again at GitHub Universe 2024 🎮
Accepting speaking gigs in mid to late 2024!
Recap on me: I’m a global citizen, Anthropology grad turned product manager using my human lense at to Red Hat build features for Fortune 500 companies. I am passionate about building communities and inclusive technology for and with underserved groups. The latest project is leveraging AI technology to disrupt the billion dollar hair industry. Join me!
P.S. Thanks for letting me co-direct these shots! Photos taken by Alex Akamine & Scott Roeder 📷
