What we’re about
We meet once a month to discuss the social, political, economic and environmental impacts of technology.
Our goal is to slow down and question the techno-solutionist narrative* which has permeated all aspects of life. This means examining the unintended harms and potential losses that occur when adopting new technologies, and thinking about alternative approaches that promote a humane and equitable future for all.
A selection of short readings (usually three) will be assigned to the group each month to aide and guide discussion.
You do not need to be someone working in tech to join the group, you just need to be someone who is living in technologically mediated world. This, by virtue of existing and reading this, means you!
*Techno-solutionism = the idea that given the right code, algorithms and robots, technology can solve all of humanities problems. More information here: https://www.tict.io/courses/course-one/course-five
Upcoming events (1)
See all- November Session - Live Facial Recognition200 degrees coffee shop , Leeds
Come along to our first session on the use of live facial recognition by the police force. We'll be discussing topics such as how the technology works, the ethics surrounding its use and whether it is a proportionate way of managing crime.
Required readings are below - please give these a read before you attend as these are intended to aide and guide discussion.
An good summary: https://blogs.uwe.ac.uk/policing/policing-by-camera-the-development-and-use-of-live-facial-recognition-within-the-police-service/
Ethical considerations: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c755ffc40f0b603d660be32/Facial_Recognition_Briefing_BFEG_February_2019.pdf
The impact of the tech: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-69055945
Maths!: https://bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/blog/understanding-live-facial-recognition-statistics/
Marketing material from a company that provides LFR: https://uk.nec.com/en_GB/en/global/solutions/safety/face_recognition/PDF/Face_Recognition_NeoFace_Watch_Brochure.pdf
The Reading Group is intended to be a welcome space for all levels of knowledge and understanding. Our goal is to facilitate a healthy discussion of the impact of technologies which we are all subject to. Please be respectful of other peoples views.
