Coded Bias (SFFILM Festival)

This revelatory documentary exposes the ways that AI systems have developed algorithms that can infringe on our privacy and threaten civil rights. From facial recognition software that finds it difficult to distinguish the faces of women and people of color to HR systems that reject applicants with “ethnic” or female names, the impact of these technologies cannot be underestimated. Featuring several women tackling algorithmic bias, the film reveals the unchecked power that is being wielded from the data collected with every keystroke and phone call we make.

“A new documentary by director Shalini Kantayya, Coded Bias aims to dig deeper in how racial bias in facial recognition technology is a much bigger problem than it may seem. Using a diverse set of interviews and examples on how facial recognition software and sorting algorithms are a danger to society, the documentary provides a major case for why legal intervention is pivotal in creating an equal environment for all.” –Julia Sachs, GritDaily