Washington, D.C., February 14, 2024 – Goldwater Ventures, under the leadership of President & CEO, A. Prince Albert III, prominently featured at the "Regulatory Code: AI, Civil Rights, and the Future of Our Democracy" event held on February 13th at The Showroom in Washington D.C. This convening, hosted by the Center for Civil Rights and Technology, marked a pivotal gathering to address the intertwining of AI, civil rights, and the future of democracy. A. Prince Albert III, serving as the inaugural Technology/Telecommunications Fellow at the Center, represented the consulting firm’s commitment to equitable technology and telecommunications policies. steemed panelists and keynote speakers gathered to delve into the ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
The AI Regulatory Roundtable initiated the discussion on "What Does Ethical AI Look Like, and How Can We Regulate It!" featuring insights from Dr. Alondra Nelson, Sr. Advisor to the Leadership Conference's President & CEO and Institute for Advanced Study; Jenn Taylor Hodges from Mozilla; Andrea Dehlendorf of United for Respect and Athena; and Lisa Rice from the National Fair Housing Alliance. This panel explored the framework required to ensure AI's ethical development and implementation.
Safeguarding Democracy focused on "AI, Voting, and the Future of Our Elections," with contributions from Robert Weissman of Public Citizen, Eric Rodriguez of UnidosUS, an invited speaker from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Spencer Overton of The George Washington Law School. The panelists discussed AI's impact on voting systems and the broader implications for future elections.
In the "AI and the Workforce" segment, discussions centered on "Championing Workers' Rights in the Era of AI," with Fred Redmond from AFL-CIO and Maria Town from the American Association of People with Disabilities highlighting how AI technologies are reshaping labor rights, and workforce dynamics.
Democracy at an Inflection Point addressed "Urgent AI Challenges in 2024," with Maya Wiley from the Leadership Conference Education Fund & Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; John C. Yang from Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC; Damon Hewitt from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Frankie Miranda from the Hispanic Federation; and Deborah Raji, a Ph.D. candidate at UC Berkeley, discussing the critical AI issues that need immediate attention to protect civil rights.
Keynote addresses were given by The Honorable Yvette Clarke from the U.S. House of Representatives, Chair Charlotte Burrows from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission, each emphasizing the importance of a united approach to regulating AI in a manner that upholds and advances civil rights.
The event concluded with the launch reception for the Center for Civil Rights and Technology, marking a significant step toward fostering dialogue and action on the intersection of technology and civil rights. The collective expertise of the speakers and the depth of the discussions underscored the urgency of addressing AI's societal impacts, advocating for ethical guidelines, and ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of civil liberties and democratic principles.
With K.J. Bagchi at the helm, the Center for Civil Rights and Technology tackled the evolving intersection of technology and civil rights. A. Prince Albert III expressed immense pride in supporting the Leadership Conference's endeavors and K.J. Bagchi's leadership, stating, "I am immensely proud to have supported the Leadership Conference's work and K.J. Bagchi's leadership at this critical juncture. It is essential, now more than ever, to ensure technology acts as a conduit for equality, not a barrier." Goldwater Ventures’ participation underscored its commitment to expanding access, fostering participation, and enhancing the social benefits of technology and telecommunications, reflecting a deep dedication to digital equity.
The symposium featured discussions on ethical AI regulation, AI's impact on voting, and championing workers' rights in the AI era, among other critical topics. Goldwater Ventures contributed its extensive expertise in the digital rights landscape, resource optimization for tech and telecom advocacy organizations, and the integration of cultural consciousness into product development. "Our mission extends beyond navigating the digital age; it's about actively shaping it to embody inclusivity, equity, and social responsibility," Albert remarked.
Through its participation, Goldwater Ventures reinforced its leadership role in catalyzing significant change within the technology and telecommunications sectors. The firm addressed challenges faced by advocacy organizations, emerging tech companies, and large tech corporations, ensuring technological advancements promote civil rights and social justice. The symposium was a crucial step in uniting policymakers, industry leaders, and advocates to envision a future where democracy and technology collectively advance equity for all.
About Goldwater Ventures
Goldwater Ventures is a pioneering consulting firm focused on bridging the gap between technology, policy, and social impact. Specializing in expanding access, participation, and the social benefits of technology and telecommunications, the firm works with a broad array of clients to champion digital equity. Through innovative strategies and a steadfast commitment to social responsibility, Goldwater Ventures is dedicated to driving meaningful change across the technology and telecommunications landscape.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures, Goldwater Ventures Champions AI and Civil Rights at Prestigious Washington D.C. Event (Feb. 14, 2023), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/goldwater-ventures-champions-ai-and-civil-rights-at-prestigious-washington-d-c-event.
References
Goldwater Ventures, Technology & Telecommunications Practice, https://www.goldwaterventures.info/practice/technology-%26-telecommunications.
The Leadership Conference's Center on Civil Rights & Technology, https://civilrights.org/value/media-technology/.
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