We are going through unprecedented times in the pace and scale of technological development driven by data and AI systems. Yet, these developments and their applications are being led and decided by a few in -still by large- a regulatory vacuum, supported by narratives driven by hype and power asymmetries. There is however a large and more diverse community of technology developers across the globe who can claim back the authority if it refuses to be blinded by hype; if it questions decisions made by a few; if it favours evidence and ethics over magic; and if it works collaborative with the rest of society to answer some of the most pressing questions of out times on how data and AI can be responsibly used to help people make this world a better place.

Speakers

Anna Colom

Anna is a senior lead, researcher and evaluator working at the intersections of digital technologies, democratic processes, justice and climate. She's currently active at The Data Tank, an organisation championing a holistic approach to re-using data for the common good.

Before joining The Data Tank, she was the Public Participation and Research Lead at the Ada Lovelace Institute. Her role focused on ensuring public perspectives and experiences are embedded in Ada’s research in rigorous, inclusive and meaningful ways.

Prior to joining Ada, Anna managed the research on democratic innovations at Democratic Society, including the evaluation of deliberative mini-publics across the European Union and the UK. She was Director of Innovations and Learning at Africa’s Voices Foundation and worked as a Senior Research Manager at BBC Media Action, working with teams across South Asia, and East and West Africa. Anna holds a PhD in Political Science from The Open University, where she has applied an intersectional lens to understanding how instant messaging mediates citizenship capabilities. She was formerly a journalist, documentary filmmaker and participatory video facilitator.