Coded Bias (2020) is an eye-opening documentary that explores the biases embedded within artificial intelligence algorithms, bringing to light the troubling implications of unregulated, racially biased technology on society. Sparked by researcher Joy Buolamwini’s discovery that facial recognition software struggled to identify darker-skinned and female faces accurately, the film delves into the broader issue of algorithmic bias and its consequences for civil rights and privacy. Through interviews with activists, data scientists, and lawmakers, Coded Bias examines how unchecked AI systems reinforce existing inequalities and perpetuate discrimination in policing, hiring, and surveillance. Directed by Shalini Kantayya, the documentary is both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for transparency and accountability in technology, urging viewers to consider the societal impact of leaving AI-driven systems unmonitored and unchallenged.
