The Black Policy Institute

Data Control in an AI Society: Protecting and Empowering Black Communities In an increasingly AI-driven world, data control is critical for safeguarding the rights and well-being of all, especially Black communities. As AI continues to shape decision-making in areas such as public services, education, healthcare, and policing, it’s vital to ensure that data does not reinforce historical biases and inequities. Effective data control can transform AI from a tool of potential discrimination to one of empowerment and equity. Here’s why data control matters and how it can be achieved. Why Data Control Matters for Black Communities 1. Reducing Algorithmic Bias AI systems often learn from historical data that may contain biases, leading to unfair outcomes for Black communities in hiring, policing, and access to essential services. Transparent data control ensures that biases are identified and mitigated, fostering fairer AI applications. 2. Safeguarding Privacy Surveillance technologies like facial recognition disproportionately misidentify Black individuals, increasing risks of unfair targeting. Strong data control policies can limit such technologies and protect communities from excessive surveillance. 3. Ensuring Fair Access to Services Without diverse and representative data, AI can unintentionally restrict access to healthcare, education, and social support. Effective data governance promotes inclusive service provision and reduces disparities. 4. Supporting Community-Led Data Initiatives Data sovereignty—community-led control over data—empowers Black communities to shape how data impacts their lives. Through community-driven data projects, local groups can directly influence policies and programmes tailored to their needs. Policy Recommendations 1. Mandate Algorithm Audits Regular audits ensure transparency and accountability, with community representatives helping to review and correct AI biases. 2. Regulate Surveillance Technology Privacy protections and clear usage guidelines are needed to prevent disproportionate surveillance of Black communities. 3. Promote Inclusive Data Collection AI systems should be trained on diverse, representative data to ensure fair outcomes. 4. Fund Community Data Initiatives Government support for community-led data projects allows Black communities to manage and advocate for their own data needs. Conclusion With strong data control, AI can support equitable outcomes and empower Black communities, making it a tool for advancement rather than oppression. Transparent and community-driven data policies are essential for building an AI society that respects and uplifts all communities. #AI #DataControl #Privacy #AlgorithmBias #CommunityEmpowerment #DataSovereignty #BlackCommunities #EthicalAI #Inclusion #TechForGood

We're excited to welcome Silas Jonathan Silas, a leading expert in media research and open-source intelligence (OSINT), to our panel on "Misinformation in Digital Africa: Lessons from Kenya and Nigeria." As the head of DAIDAC at CJID, Silas offers cutting-edge insights into combating digital disinformation and information manipulation. Here's what makes Silas's perspective valuable: 🔍 He specializes in fact-checking and exposing coordinated disinformation campaigns 🌐 His work counters foreign influence operations in digital spaces 🤖 He explores the intersection of AI and disinformation in Africa Join us on October 25th, 2024, at 16:00 BST. Don't miss this chance to engage with Silas and our other panelists - Toni Adewuyi, MPH, Mikhail Nyamweya, and Demas Kiprono - as we explore the complex world of digital misinformation in Africa. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eZmrDnsc or Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eZmrDnsc #Disinformation #OSINT #DigitalGovernance #AfricanMedia #AIEthics Ethan Ward Chimdi Igwe

We were thrilled to attend My Little Black Book: The Blacktionary Show on October 22, 2024, at Legal & General in London! The event, hosted by the amazing Jacquline Alcindor , brought together powerful discussions on language, culture, and identity, making it a memorable evening. The book, My Little Black Book: The Blacktionary, written by the brilliant Jane Oremosu and Maggie Semple, OBE, FCGI Semple, served as the cornerstone for the event, highlighting the importance of reclaiming narratives and celebrating Black excellence. It was an honour to engage in these impactful conversations, followed by a fantastic networking session with drinks and canapés. Huge thanks to the organisers for creating such a space, and congratulations to Jane and Maggie for their incredible work! For those who couldn’t attend, you can still dive into The Blacktionary here: Amazon Link. https://lnkd.in/dJDriCTs Looking forward to many more meaningful dialogues. #BlackExcellence #TheBlacktionary #BlackPolicyInstitute #Networking

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 We are thrilled to announce that Episode 3 of Trailblazing Leaders of Tomorrow will be released this Friday! 🎙️ Join us as we dive into the Journey of a Senior Analyst with the incredible Ra-Venne Scholar. 🌟 In this insightful conversation, Ra-Venne shares his experience navigating the financial sector, overcoming challenges, and making his mark as a trailblazer. Hosted by Nathaniel Adeleye and Elijah Amoako, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and what it takes to succeed in today’s world. Stay tuned for the full release this Friday 25th, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us after watching! 🎧✨ #TrailblazingLeaders #PodcastSeries #RaVenneScholar #LeadershipJourney #SeniorAnalyst #FutureLeaders #BPI #BlackPolicyInstitute

Unraveling the web of misinformation in African democracies - that's what Mikhail Nyamweya brings to our upcoming webinar. We're excited to have Mikhail Nyamweya, MSc African Studies, join our panel on "Misinformation in Digital Africa: Lessons from Kenya and Nigeria." As a seasoned researcher and consultant, Mikhail offers valuable insights into the dynamics of politics, governance, and misinformation in Africa. Here's what makes Mikhail's perspective interesting: 🔍 He investigates fake news and misinformation in African elections ⚖️ His work explores judicial politics and governance in Kenya 🌍 He contributes to thought leadership on party politics and African security dynamics Join us on October 25th, 2024, at 16:00 BST, to hear Mikhail's take on combating misinformation in digital Africa. Don't miss this chance to engage with Mikhail and our other panelists - Toni Adewuyi, MPH, Silas Jonathan Silas, and Demas Kiprono, we explore the challenges and solutions surrounding digital misinformation in Africa. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eZmrDnsc Ethan Ward Chimdi Igwe #AfricanPolitics #Misinformation #DigitalDemocracy #ElectionIntegrity

Episode 2 of Trailblazing Leaders of Tomorrow is officially live 🔥! A huge thank you to Blaise Nsenguwera for joining us and sharing his incredible journey as a Legal Associate at Freshfields. His insights into navigating the legal profession are a must-hear for anyone interested in law or career growth. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to share the series with your network to inspire others! Links: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eEcHjQdr Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eYvPWkQj

🎙 Episode 2 of Trailblazing Leaders of Tomorrow: Journey of a Legal Associate with Blaise Nsenguwera Drops this coming Monday🎙 We’re excited to bring you the next episode of Trailblazing Leaders of Tomorrow on Monday, October 21st! In this episode, titled "Journey of a Legal Associate", we sit down with Blaise Nsenguwera, Associate at Freshfields Blaise shares his path into the legal profession, the challenges he has navigated at one of the world’s top law firms, and what drives his passion for justice. If you're interested in a career in law, this episode is packed with invaluable insights! 🎧 Available from Monday in selected platforms - Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Brought to you by The Black Policy Institute and its Young People Advisory Board

Yesterday we were invited to attend The LaunchPad Initiative’s Careers in Politics Conference. We were able to speak to and hear from young people who were looking for or had found careers in a wide range of Political roles. The event provided a fantastic networking platform for the attendees, career guidance from those with insider information and informative talks about the work think tanks such as The Black Policy Institute do and the opportunities that can open up from this. A panel of young people in different areas of politics was also hosted by Elijah Amoako, a Civil Servant who we recently interviewed as part our Black History Month Podcast Series: Trailblazing Leaders of Tomorrow - please check this out via Spotify and Apple Podcasts! To hear about events like this in advance and from more Black Professionals who feature in our podcast series, follow us on here and Instagram.

Bridging the gap between behavioural science and media to promote health equity - that's what Toni Adewuyi, MPH brings to our upcoming webinar. We're excited to have Toni Adewuyi, MPH, join our panel on "Misinformation in Digital Africa: Lessons from Kenya and Nigeria." As a Senior Data and Communications Coordinator with a Master's in Public Health, Toni offers valuable insights into addressing health misinformation in the digital age. Here's what makes Toni's perspective interesting: 📊 She uses data for advocacy and mobilisation in global health initiatives 🌐 Her work connects behavioral science and media in digital marketing 🔬 She finds new ways to influence public health behaviors using digital platforms Join us on October 25th, 2024, at 16:00 BST, to hear how Toni's approach can help tackle misinformation in digital Africa. Don't miss this chance to engage with Toni and our other panelists - Silas Jonathan Silas, Demas Kiprono, and Mikhail Nyamweya - as we explore solutions to this pressing digital challenge. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eZmrDnsc #DigitalHealth #Misinformation #AfricanInnovation #DataForGood #BehaviouralScience

Bridging the gap between behavioural science and media to promote health equity - that's what Toni Adewuyi, MPH brings to our upcoming webinar. We're excited to have Toni Adewuyi, MPH, join our panel on "Misinformation in Digital Africa: Lessons from Kenya and Nigeria." As a Senior Data and Communications Coordinator with a Master's in Public Health, Toni offers valuable insights into addressing health misinformation in the digital age. Here's what makes Toni's perspective interesting: 📊 She uses data for advocacy and mobilisation in global health initiatives 🌐 Her work connects behavioral science and media in digital marketing 🔬 She finds new ways to influence public health behaviors using digital platforms Join us on October 25th, 2024, at 16:00 BST, to hear how Toni's approach can help tackle misinformation in digital Africa. Don't miss this chance to engage with Toni and our other panelists - Silas Jonathan Silas, Demas Kiprono, and Mikhail Nyamweya - as we explore solutions to this pressing digital challenge. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eZmrDnsc #DigitalHealth #Misinformation #AfricanInnovation #DataForGood #BehaviouralScience