TechCrunch is highlighting remarkable women in the AI field, giving them the recognition they deserve.
To achieve this goal, Amba Kak, executive director of the AI Now Institute, is leading the way with her team in creating policy recommendations for addressing concerns surrounding AI. She has a strong background in technology policy from her work with the Federal Trade Commission and global organizations such as Mozilla. She also served as a legal advisor in India where she witnessed heated debates on the impact of technology on society.
How did Kak become interested in AI and technology policy? She explains, “I have been working in this field for over a decade, and throughout this time, I have seen technology evolve from ‘big data’ to ‘AI’. However, the core issues of how technology affects society remain the same.”
Kak is passionate about using regulation and advocacy to shape the direction of technology towards serving the public’s interest rather than solely benefiting large corporations or those in positions of power. She acknowledges that regulation can also be co-opted and work against these goals, but she believes it is a critical tool in challenging the status quo.
When asked to discuss her proudest achievements in the AI field, Kak shares, “Our 2023 AI Landscape report effectively highlights the concentration of power in the tech industry and its impact on society and the economy. We need to pay attention to AI’s effects and not assume they are inevitable.”
Kak also takes pride in her work as a Senior Advisor at the Federal Trade Commission, where she made substantial contributions to emerging technology issues and enforcement actions. She saw first-hand how even one person can make a difference in policymaking.
When faced with the challenges of working in a male-dominated tech industry, Kak reframes the issue. She explains, “The real problem is the concentration of power among a small group of individuals and companies, not just the lack of diversity. We need to expose this power and talk about the underlying incentives and structures that drive it.”
She believes that by challenging the dominant narrative and offering alternative perspectives, it is difficult for policymakers and the public to look away and ignore these issues.
To women and other minority groups looking to enter the AI field, Kak advises, “Stand your ground. The industry will try to discredit your critiques, especially if you don’t come from a traditional STEM background. But we all have a say in the future of AI, and it is essential to claim that space and hold our ground.”
She emphasizes that regardless of backgrounds or expertise, everyone has a stake in the future of AI and should have a voice in shaping it.
Interested in learning more about the women making significant contributions to the AI revolution? Be sure to check out TechCrunch for more profiles.
