Tech Institute Interim Executive Director Hillary Brill (L’00) highlighted how AI can improve our lives, safety, and happiness before raising the tricky issue at the heart of the panel: how to support innovation in technology in a responsible way.

Vogel presented a positive view of AI, where technology is lawful, responsible, and supportive of civil rights, democratic norms, and consumer protections. With this in mind, she prompted McNamee — a successful venture capitalist — to explain his journey in technology and ethics to the audience: from Silicon Valley investor to activist for big tech regulation. McNamee discussed with Vogel and Caine how the technology industry was never meant to become the big tech industry that it is today without having safeguarded essential responsibilities to society.

“Whoever cracks the code around diversity and inclusion is going to win,” stated Rep. Clarke. “Algorithmic accountability may not seem like it is a priority,” she continued, but “that is mistaken, because AI bias is inherently linked with [the COVID-19 and police brutality] crises. Increasingly, algorithms, instead of people, help determine whether Americans are hired for a dream job, approved for a mortgage, or sent to prison.”

McNamee lauded the Congresswoman’s legislative work and pleaded for a culture change in Silicon Valley — urging requirements that companies “must anticipate and mitigate harm,” which disproportionately affects women and communities of color. Both McNamee and Rep. Clarke focused on potential solutions that include holding companies accountable.