Topics in STEP: Societal Impacts of Data, Algorithms and AI

This seminar explores the effects of the ease of data collection and algorithmic processing on individuals and society. We examine the technical underpinnings of data collection and the lack of individual ability to meaningfully control it. We delve into algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence, examining challenges posed by tools developed in the data-rich paradigms. We end by discussing technical & policy solutions that may have the potential to change the status quo. The course is organized in modules, each introducing the relevant technological practices to facilitate discussion of their implications and interventions.