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CIS Seminar: “Just Infrastructures”

November 19 at 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Sociotechnical systems enable large-scale connection and the dissemination of timely, engaging information. However, these systems are shaped by complex, often invisible governance structures—comprising rules, roles, and relationships—that significantly influence how they operate. Gaining even a basic understanding of these governance structures is key to using them more effectively and deliberately. Yet, many of the millions who depend on these systems are unaware of the governance mechanisms at play or their own degree of autonomy within them. In this talk, I will present methods to uncover hidden governance structures, unveil the illusion of control, and emphasize the importance of amplifying silenced voices to reshape both governance and our relationship with technology and one another — the goal being to create Just Infrastructures.

Karrie Karahalios

University Scholar and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois

Dr. Karrie Karahalios is a University Scholar and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois where she directs the Social Spaces Group, co-directs of the Center for Just Infrastructures and co-leads the Community Data Clinic. Dr. Karahalios’ research focuses on AI and community-centered computing. She studies and builds socio-technical systems in the domains of algorithm justice, algorithmically-mediated social media feeds, content-moderation systems, accessibility, group dynamics, and smart infrastructures to name a few. She, with her colleagues introduced the concept of Algorithm Audits, and in 2016, she was one of several plaintiffs on a suit filed by the ACLU against the US Attorney General arguing that the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is unconstitutional because it criminalizes audit testing research on algorithms that perpetuate discrimination based on race and gender, especially in housing and employment.

Details

Date:
November 19
Time:
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Website:
https://www.cis.upenn.edu/events/

Organizer

Computer and Information Science
Phone
215-898-8560
Email
cis-info@cis.upenn.edu
View Organizer Website

Venue

Wu & Chen Auditorium