Responsible AI: People, Progress, and Principles
As AI reshapes the digital world, the call for inclusive, ethical, and responsible innovation grows louder. This series explores how individuals and organizations are working to ensure artificial intelligence is developed with integrity. From confronting systemic bias to building equitable, human-centered systems, these stories highlight the changemakers striving to redefine AI’s impact.
Who Does AI Serve—And Who Does It Harm?
For Dr. Jaleesa Trapp, Senior Education Advisor at the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL), the answer is clear: biased AI systems often fail—and harm—marginalized communities. Dr. Trapp works alongside AJL founder Dr. Joy Buolamwini, whose Gender Shades project exposed racial and gender bias in facial recognition systems. Their efforts are prominently featured in the Netflix documentary *Coded Bias*, a powerful examination of the real-world consequences of flawed algorithms.
In this interview, Dr. Trapp shares her journey, the goals of AJL, and the urgent need for education, awareness, and advocacy in building a more just AI future.
How Did You Get Involved with AJL?
Dr. Trapp: AJL’s mission to expose the real-world harms of AI, especially for marginalized communities, immediately resonated with me. While we work on many initiatives, one of our primary focuses is facial recognition technology. Our latest campaign, Freedom Flyers, addresses the growing use of facial recognition in airports. Many travelers don’t realize they have the right to opt out of biometric data collection. Our goal is to make sure people know they’re not required to accept surveillance silently.
The Real Harm of Misidentification
Dr. Trapp: The public doesn’t fully grasp how dangerous AI misidentification can be. Take the case of Portia Woodruff, who was misidentified by a facial recognition system while eight months pregnant. She was jailed and began experiencing contractions in custody. That’s the real-world danger we’re talking about. The underlying issue is that AI developers often use datasets lacking diversity, leading to systems that perform well on lighter-skinned men but fail on darker-skinned women. Dr. Joy’s work with Gender Shades brought this issue to light in a profound way.
Raising Awareness Through Storytelling
Dr. Trapp: One of the most powerful tools we’ve had is the documentary Coded Bias. Directed by Shalini Kantayya, the film chronicles the rise of AJL and includes voices from researchers like Timnit Gebru and Deborah Raji. To mark its five-year anniversary, the film is on an international screening tour featuring panel discussions and Q&As. It’s more important than ever to stay informed, especially as AI use expands far beyond the current regulatory protections.
Our work is global. While we’re based in the U.S., we’ve connected with communities across South Africa, Taiwan, and Europe. Dr. Joy recently presented the film in Paris, and I was in Taiwan engaging educators and technologists.
Are Tech Companies Responding?
Dr. Trapp: Some companies have taken action. In the documentary, IBM responded to AJL’s findings by correcting flaws in its facial recognition technology. Others, like Amazon, have been less receptive. Still, our work is contributing to a broader awareness—not just among corporations but also the general public.
The Human Impact of Biased AI
Dr. Trapp: I’ve heard personal stories that show just how real these issues are. A former student of mine once dismissed concerns over data collection. Years later, that same student shifted their focus to AI bias after recognizing the harm. A friend of mine—a Black mother—faces challenges with her child’s school using facial recognition. She exercises her right to opt out and requests staff assistance instead. These everyday experiences are part of a larger pattern.
Centering Marginalized Voices in AI Ethics
Dr. Trapp: It’s essential that the voices of Black women, like Dr. Joy’s, remain central in these conversations. Her firsthand experience with biased technology drove this movement. Historically, voices like hers have been excluded from tech development. That must change. Education, advocacy, and organizing—whether it’s working with AJL or starting grassroots campaigns—are how we build momentum. Dr. Joy has even testified before Congress, helping to pass bans on police use of facial recognition in cities like San Francisco.
Embedding Ethics into Education
Dr. Trapp: The solution starts with education. We must integrate ethics and real-world impact into the curriculum from the beginning. That way, the next generation enters the tech industry with a foundational understanding of responsibility. We don’t want future developers fixing ethical issues—we want them to design with ethics in mind from the start.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Jaleesa Trapp and the Algorithmic Justice League are not only challenging AI systems but also reshaping the narrative around technology, ethics, and equity. By educating communities, influencing policy, and demanding transparency, they are building a future where AI truly serves everyone—fairly and justly.