Oakland Tech Week Addresses Local Control in AI Governance for Underserved Communities
Oakland Tech Week recently concluded with discussions focusing on ensuring local control over Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. The event, which included workshops and a screening of the documentary 'Ghost in the Machine,' brought together local tech and media justice leaders. A key theme was how underserved communities can manage the impact of AI and prevent automated systems from being imposed upon them without their consent. Steven Renderos, executive director of MediaJustice, the event's organizer, highlighted a distrust in Silicon Valley's decision-making, stating that the industry has historically prioritized profit over societal well-being. The documentary 'Ghost in the Machine' explores the origins of AI, linking it to eugenics and scientific racism, and emphasizes the power of community governance. The discussions in Oakland are particularly relevant given the city's proximity to Silicon Valley and the increasing presence of tech companies, including proposed data centers and AI manufacturi...