With the advent of AI-powered misinformation, disinformation, and systemic bias and discrimination, trust in the use of AI by governments is low. For marginalized communities particularly, the social, political, and cultural implications of uncritically adopting AI are felt immediately and on an everyday basis. 

However, trust in government and technology is crucial for a functional and just democracy. By looking at how local governments are thinking about technology policy and creating opportunities for civic engagement in the face of uncertainty, we can learn about ways to build—or undermine—trust.  

This two-day event explores the dynamics of power and trust, in technology and governments, from perspectives not always included in the deployment or regulation of policies centered on artificial intelligence. A group of multidisciplinary scholars, policymakers, activists, and practitioners looks at the possibilities for reimagining (or containing) AI from the margins, questioning the narrative of its inevitability, exploring what public-interest AI systems might look like, and if such systems are even possible. 

October 23, 2024

“When AI Meets Cultural Policy, Heritage, and Creativity”

• Blair Attard-Frost, University of Toronto
• Raheem Manning, Night Mayor of Philadelphia
• Martina Massari, University of Bologna
• Mark Olson, Duke University
• Will Straw, McGill University
• Jess Reia (moderator), University of Virginia

October 24, 2024

“The Role of AI in Environmental Justice” 

• Mehan Jayasuriya, Mozilla Foundation
• Tamara Kneese, AIM Lab
• Anne Pasek, Trent University
• Damien Williams, UNC-Charlotte
• Jess Reia (co-moderator), University of Virginia
• MC Forelle (co-moderator), University of Virginia

This conference is co-organized by Jess Reia, MC Forelle, and Yingchong Wang and co-sponsored by UVA's Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, Environmental Institute, and School of Data Science.