Session
Digital Empowerment Foundation
Dr. Arpita Kanjilal, Research & Advocacy Division Head, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India - Onsite Moderator Osama Manzar, Founder-Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India - Speaker Dr. Raina Ghosh, Research Consultant, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India - Speaker
Dr. Arpita Kanjilal, Research & Advocacy Division Head, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India - Onsite Moderator Osama Manzar, Founder-Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India - Speaker Dr. Raina Ghosh, Research Consultant, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India - Speaker
Organization's Website
Speakers
Osama Manzar, Founder-Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
Dr. Raina Ghosh, Research Consultant, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
Onsite Moderator
Dr. Arpita Kanjilal, Research & Advocacy Division Head, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
Rapporteur
Dr. Raina Ghosh, Research Consultant, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
SDGs
10.2
16.6
Targets: SDG 10.2 (Reduce Inequalities through Inclusive Policies): Algorithmic bias disproportionately affects marginalized communities (Dalits, women, migrants, religious minorities). SDG 16.6 (Develop Effective, Accountable Institutions): AI-driven governance must be transparent, inclusive, and subject to redress mechanisms.
16.6
Targets: SDG 10.2 (Reduce Inequalities through Inclusive Policies): Algorithmic bias disproportionately affects marginalized communities (Dalits, women, migrants, religious minorities). SDG 16.6 (Develop Effective, Accountable Institutions): AI-driven governance must be transparent, inclusive, and subject to redress mechanisms.
Format
Session Format: Lightning Talk
Duration: 20 Minutes
Session Plan:
3 min: Introduction - Define 'Death by Data' and its impact on digital rights.
4 min: Case Study - Present the findings of AI-driven exclusion and discrimination.
3 min: Data & Systemic Roots - Explain how AI systems institutionalize bias and harm.
2 min: Grassroots Solutions - Showcase initiatives reducing AI-related harm.
1 min: Call to Action - Urge policymakers and industry leaders to adopt AI ethics guidelines.
2 min: Policy Recommendations – A citizen-centric framework for Responsible AI in India, democratisation of internet, connectivity in the last mile, contextualised/tailored digital models/designs/solutions in hyperlocal settings, streamlined grievance redressal, bias audits, and regulatory oversight.
5 min: Speakers to respond to the questions of the attendees, ensuring both online and onsite engagement.
Duration (minutes)
20
Description
The rise of the data regime, driven by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithmic systems, has transformed governance, the economy, and society, reshaping citizens' relationship with the state in accessing essential services, entitlements, and opportunities. Over the last decade, the digital transition from manual offline systems in an extremely diverse country like India has also led to severe structural injustices, deepening digital and social divides and resulting in data-driven discrimination, exclusion, and even death.
This session will present Algorithmic Chronicles, an archival research project based on extensive media analysis, documenting various facets of data and digital exclusion across India. It provides a comprehensive examination of AI’s societal impact over the past decade, particularly focusing on how the rapidly evolving and shifting data regime disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including Dalits, women, workers, persons with disabilities, queer and transgender individuals, Adivasi communities, religious minorities, and other underserved populations in the last mile.
The findings of the study highlight the urgent need for an expansive framework of citizen-centric Responsible AI in India - one that prioritizes citizens' data rights, digital rights, and human rights, rather than treating them as an afterthought in the pursuit of ‘digital transformation.’
To enhance hybrid engagement, we will ensure the following: 1. Attendees, whether participating in person or virtually, can submit questions in real-time. Speakers will be able to view these inquiries and incorporate their responses and insights into their discussions in the last 5 mins of the Session. 2. Split-Screen Format: Providing balanced visibility for both in-person speakers and online participants. 3. We will ensure that our digital presentation is shared with online attendees. 4. Complimentary online tool: QR Codes for resources will be ensured, enabling attendees to scan and access case studies, policy briefs, and DEF’s research reports effortlessly.
To enhance hybrid engagement, we will ensure the following: 1. Attendees, whether participating in person or virtually, can submit questions in real-time. Speakers will be able to view these inquiries and incorporate their responses and insights into their discussions in the last 5 mins of the Session. 2. Split-Screen Format: Providing balanced visibility for both in-person speakers and online participants. 3. We will ensure that our digital presentation is shared with online attendees. 4. Complimentary online tool: QR Codes for resources will be ensured, enabling attendees to scan and access case studies, policy briefs, and DEF’s research reports effortlessly.