Language: English (mozilla)
An IMPAKT programme curated by Rosa Wevers.
From predictive policing systems to biometric detection software, AI systems are increasingly changing the field of crime investigation. Artificial intelligence does not only assist in tracing people who have committed a crime but is also used to predict where crimes are likely to occur. While appearing to be objective, systems of AI have become instruments of power that use data from the past to influence the future. As researchers such as Ruha Benjamin have shown, such systems tend to function as ‘mirrors’ of our biased societies, that reflect existing inequalities and program them into the future. This results amongst others in the overpolicing of marginalised communities. Why are these systems so popular, despite the ongoing range of concerns and issues that come to light? What kind of future do they promise to provide? And how can these technologies and the people that use them be controlled and hold accountable?
For this session, IMPAKT brings together experts and artists to discuss the political implications of predictive policing and biometric surveillance. We will explore how AI is used in crime investigation, how it impacts our freedoms and rights as citizens, and how AI can also be used as a tool to create awareness about inequality and fight police brutality.
Speakers:
- Gerwin van Schie, lecturer at Utrecht University
- Lotte Houwing, policy advisor at Bits of Freedom
- Ahnjili, data scientist, Ph.D. candidate, artist, and science communicator
- Robert Glas, artist
The session aims to bring together experts and artists to discuss the political implications of predictive policing and biometric surveillance. We will explore how AI is used in crime investigation, how it impacts our freedoms and rights as citizens, and how AI can also be used as a tool to create awareness about inequality and fight police brutality.
Why did you choose that space? How does your session align with the space description?:The space was suggested to us by Kitty Leering.
How will you deal with varying numbers of participants in your session? What if 30 participants attend? What if there are 3?:The format is applicable to a small as well as a larger audience.
The bigger the audience, the more space there will be reserved for audience Q&A.
Input from the session could be used by the artists to develop their project further.
Additionally, people can access the artistic project online and use it to continue the discussion in other places.
Moreover, this event could potentially be the start of more collaborations between Mozfest and IMPAKT.
Rosa Wevers works as a PhD candidate in Gender Studies at Utrecht University. For her PhD research she analyzes how contemporary art exhibitions confront visitors with critical perspectives on surveillance and engage them in strategies of resistance. In 2021, Rosa curated the exhibition ‘Face Value: Surveillance and Identity in the Age of Digital Facial Recognition’ in collaboration with IMPAKT and the Netherlands Film Festival. Rosa is part of the editorial board of IMPAKT TV, and the co-host and co-producer of Kunstmatig, a podcast on art and technology. She holds a MA in Gender Studies and a BA in Liberal Arts & Sciences.