Ethics, Technology, and Public Policy [for Practitioners]

Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of expanding my ethical and technical knowledge at Stanford’s "Ethics, Technology, and Public Policy for Practitioners" course [https://ethicsinsociety.stanford.edu/tech-ethics/career-pathways-professional-development/ethics-technology-and-public-policy-for-practitioners], offered by the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society | Stanford . Today, I would like to share insights from this learning journey to inspire others who work at the intersection of #AI, #technology, and #policy. If you’re curious about AI’s ethical implications and want to understand how ethics shapes the future of our field, I hope these reflections provide useful takeaways for your own career path.

I discovered this course some years ago after taking the 'Code in Place' program curated by Mehran Sahami, one of the founders of both courses. This program combines technical and policy-focused elements. As I work at the intersection of AI applications and shifting policies, it’s been the perfect match. I love spaces like this, where you are exposed to specialized lectures, ongoing peer discussions, and incredible guest speakers. 

Let’s start talking about the syllabus. 

• Algorithmic Decision-Making and Fairness, with Rob Reich (Co-Director of the Center for Ethics in Society, Stanford University ), Mehran Sahami (Chair of the Computer Science Department, Stanford), and Joaquin Quiñonero Candela (Head of Preparedness at OpenAI Safety Systems). This component has allowed me to become more aware of the potential inequities embedded in automated decision-making processes.

• The Political Economy of Technology, with K. Sabeel Rahman (Professor of Law and Public Policy, Cornell University ) and Sarah Myers West (Co-Executive Director, AI Now Institute ).

• Data Collection, Privacy, and Civil Liberties, with Lowry Pressly (Attorney and Legal Director, Private Data Project, Harvard University ) and Ellen Pao (former interim CEO of Reddit, Inc. and Co-Founder of Project Include ). Reinforcing my commitment to transparent and responsible data practices in my work as a Technology Consultant
• Power of Private Platforms, with Nate Persily (Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Program on Democracy and the Internet, Stanford) and

• Jacinda Ardern (Former Prime Minister of New Zealand).

• Generative AI & the Future of Work, with Mehran Sahami (Professor of Computer Science, Stanford) and James Manyika (Chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute and Senior Vice President, Google).  A crucial topic as I consider how AI can empower rather than displace workers
• Public Narrative & Crafting New Futures, with Robel Yemiru (Researcher, Center for African Studies, Stanford), Dan Ho (Professor of Law, Stanford), and Elizabeth Kelly (Political Science Specialist, Stanford).

I plan to apply these learnings by enhancing ethical safeguards in the AI solutions I develop and advocating for fair, responsible AI in my field. In my role, this will mean prioritizing transparency, improving bias detection in algorithmic designs, and initiating discussions on the ethical use of data with my team and the consulting that I do.

In addition to our  weekly sessions, the course also offered complementing opportunities like:

• Practitioner Salon sessions for deeper dives into career-building, ethics, and action with experienced professionals across sectors.
• A Leader Lab group coaching for leadership and career growth.
• Action Cycle groups with alumni and collaborators working together on objectives related to the course topics.

I think we need to look at the world that computing has built for us politically, socially, and intellectually. This course has prepared me to critically examine the political, social, and intellectual landscape of computing, addressing AI's risks and complexities while fostering innovation and exploring its beneficial potential.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, where emerging technologies are transforming industries and social landscapes, AI leaders must integrate these ethical and policy-oriented perspectives into their work. The unique social, economic, and cultural dynamics of our region mean that AI can be a powerful force for addressing critical challenges like economic inequality, access to quality healthcare, and educational disparities. However, to ensure that AI serves as an inclusive tool, rather than deepening existing divides, leaders in our region must be equipped with the skills to identify and mitigate algorithmic biases, protect citizens' privacy, and advocate for responsible data collection and use. By building expertise in these areas, AI professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean can help steer the technology’s development towards solutions that genuinely benefit society, shaping policies and systems that support sustainable and equitable growth. Responsible leadership that champions these values serves to not only advance technological innovation but also break down systemic barriers and inspire a new generation to pursue impactful careers in tech.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or discuss potential collaborations to drive responsible AI forward!