3 chapters across the catalog
The concept of algorithmic bias is explored through examples of technology failing to serve non-white users, such as Nikon cameras misidentifying Asian eyes as blinking and Google Photos mislabeling Black people. The discussion posits that while mathematics itself is neutral, the humans who program and feed data into AI systems introduce their own biases. These technological failures are contrasted with the companies' public support for social justice causes.
The history of FBI informant Richard Aoki, who provided weapons to the Black Panther Party, is used to illustrate how the bureau infiltrates and radicalizes groups. The hosts discuss the modern equivalent of this surveillance, including facial recognition technology that can allegedly determine political views. They express suspicion toward conspicuous figures at the Capitol, such as the Viking-garbed protester, suggesting they may have been staged.
The hosts discuss the decision by Amazon and Microsoft to pause the sale of facial recognition software to police. They argue this is "virtue signaling" because the software is currently useless due to widespread mask-wearing. The segment explores the psychological effect of masks, comparing the behavior of rioters to the anonymity of Halloween.
