Law professor explores racial bias implications in facial recognition technology

We live in an era marked by rapid technological advancements that promise to make our lives easier and more efficient. Artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and facial recognition have immense potential to positively transform our lives; in fact, they are used daily by millions around the world.  

But these technologies are still in development and many currently operate unchecked and with standardization gaps. It's within those gaps where technology can inflict the most harm. That’s why Faculty of Law assistant professor Dr. Gideon Christian's area of expertise is on how AI and the law intersect.  

Christian’s work was recently awarded a $50,000 Office of the Privacy Commissioner Contributions Program grant for a research project titled Mitigating Race, Gender and Privacy Impacts of AI Facial Recognition Technology to identify the complex issues surrounding private-sector development and deployment of AI-based facial recognition technology in Canada.