Review: Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity

Inclusive Actionable Data Ethics For Practitioners

Abstract

Among the increasing number of AI Ethics conversations, leading computer scientist and data equity strategist, Dr. Brandeis Hill Marshall’s important new book, Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity offers a unique perspective: actionable, how-to strategies for engineers and AI ethicists for mitigating AI harms. Unlike many ethics conversations in tech, which tend either toward heavily theorical or technical jargon, Marshall addresses her readers with an accessible, welcoming style articulating both the problems of social impact and the pitfalls of building algorithms. In a clear, optimistic tone, she motivates her readers to listen and learn more. Most importantly, she tells them they belong. Non-technical beginners will find it easy to join the discussion, more advanced audiences to rethink their assumptions about the potentials of algorithms, and everyone will become more aware of the necessity of including marginalized groups in the end-to-end algorithmic development process.