Data, algorithms, and automation as “weapons of math destruction”: a mathematician’s insights into the implications of AI for equity and universal health care.

2:30 – 3:30pm EST

Data, algorithms, and automation as “weapons of math destruction”: a mathematician’s insights into the implications of AI for equity and universal health care.

Mathematician Cathy O’Neil will explain in plain language the way that data, algorithms and automation function together to exploit individuals and communities. During this session LLana James and Cathy O’Neil will explore the mounting reports of data grabs by various actors during the pandemic, and investigate who benefits, and how. We will also outline data laws and regulations with the potential to limit exploitation of peoples’ personal health information. Using a thought experiment, Cathy will explore the real costs of insufficient data protections and demonstrate why patients, researchers, administrators, clinicians, and policy-makers need to be proactive in protecting peoples’ data.