Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Microsoft’s revamped Bing search engine promise to transform how we live, learn and work.

Yet tools like these still reflect the racial and gender biases of their creators and society. How are social biases embedded in Silicon Valley’s algorithms, AI technology and machine learning systems? How are these technologies already being used to police and punish women, minorities and the poor? And how can affected communities secure algorithmic justice?

On Monday, April 3, the Cal State San Bernardino campus community is invited to explore these questions at a free screening and panel discussion of Shalini Kantayya’s acclaimed 2020 documentary, “Coded Bias.”

The free event will take place from noon-2:15 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union Theater (SMSU South, room 107). Attendees can also join remotely via Zoom. To attend in person or virtually, register in advance online.

Kantayya’s film follows the story of Joy Boulamwini, the MIT computer scientist who discovered that the facial recognition systems used by many U.S. law enforcement agencies do not effectively identify dark-skinned faces or those of women. As Boulamwini’s inquiry expands, we hear from teachers, parolees, tenants and others who have all experienced algorithmic bias and harm. We also meet the experts and activists – mostly women of color – who are working to create a more just and equitable digital society.

Following the screening, five faculty fellows from CSUSB’s Extended Reality for Learning (xREAL) Lab will discuss the film and answer attendees’ questions. They are: Ahlam Muhtaseb (communication studies), Fadi Muheidat (computer science and engineering), Kristi Papailler (theater arts), Martim S. Galvão (music) and Rob Ray (art and design). Liliana Conlisk-Gallegos (communication studies) will moderate the panel.

Variety’s Valerie Complex calls “Coded Bias” “thought-provoking … (the film) serves as both a wake-up call (to invasive practices the public doesn’t yet realize are being implemented) and a call to action.” And Vice’s Janus Rose says “Coded Bias” is “the most important film about AI you can watch today.”

The screening and discussion are organized by Thomas F. Corrigan (communication studies) with support from CSUSB’s xREAL Lab. The event is co-sponsored by the xREAL Lab, CSUSB’s John M. Pfau Library, the Department of Communication Studies and the Division of Academic Affairs.

For more information, contact Thomas Corrigan at corrigan@csusb.edu.

About xREAL: The Extended Reality for Learning (xREAL) Lab, with Information Technology Services (ITS), at CSUSB is an interdisciplinary technology innovation hub that brings together faculty, students and staff to imagine and design immersive learning experiences with 3D modeling and printing, augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual reality, motion caption and machine learning technologies. Each year, xREAL works with faculty fellows and undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines to provide a vision for future teaching and learning, mentorship and hands-on experience for the students, and sustainable innovation for the larger campus community. xREAL work is made possible thanks to generous support from CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales and VP for IT Sam Sudhakar.

Coded Bias event flyer