From everyday apps to complex algorithms, technology has the potential to hide, exacerbate, and deepen discrimination, while appearing neutral and even benevolent in comparison with racist practices of a previous era. In this talk, Ruha Benjamin explores a range of discriminatory designs that encode inequity—what she terms the “New Jim Code.” This presentation takes us into the world of biased bots, altruistic algorithms, and their many entanglements, and provides conceptual tools to decode tech promises with the help of historically- and sociologically-informed skepticism. Benjamin also considers how race itself is a kind of tool designed to stratify and sanctify social injustice, and discusses how technology is and can be used toward liberatory ends. In doing so, she challenges us to question not only the technologies sold to us, but also the ones we manufacture ourselves.

This activity takes place in English - although questions in French are also welcome.

It will remain available in the archives of the Forum’s online application until September 20.