Professor Pauline Kim, Daniel Noyes Kirby Professor of Law, recently participated in the Social Justice for Data Science Lecture Series at Boston University with a talk titled “Protecting Civil Rights in the Age of AI.”
The Social Justice for Data Science Lecture Series brings together experts across law, technology and social sciences to examine how data science intersects with social justice. The series explores how technologies such as predictive analytics and automated decision-making can advance or hinder equity, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized communities, and considers ways to make data science more equitable.
During her talk, Professor Kim examined how artificial intelligence and automated decision-making can reinforce bias, discrimination and inequality, while highlighting the limitations of existing laws in addressing these emerging challenges. She also discussed the legal and policy frameworks needed to ensure AI advances fairness, protects individual rights and promotes a more equitable society.
Professor Kim is an expert on the law governing the workplace, and has published articles on issues related to work such as privacy, discrimination, and job security. She has done research on workers’ understanding of their legal rights, and on the risks of discrimination and unfairness posed by the use of automated decision systems to make personnel decisions. Her current research focuses on the legal and policy challenges raised when AI is used to make consequential decisions in employment, housing, and credit markets and the risks that these technologies will increase economic inequality.
