Responsible AI and the Urgent Challenge of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Miriam Fernández

Knowledge Media Institute (KMi) de la Open University, Reino Unido

Resumen/Abstract

 Technology is now embedded in nearly every aspect of our lives, shaping how we work, communicate, and connect. Yet, while online spaces have become central to social interaction, they remain profoundly unsafe for many. Women and girls, in particular, continue to face disproportionate risks from technology-facilitated violence, including harassment, stalking, deepfake pornography, and algorithmic discrimination. In this talk, I explore how current technologies, from social media platforms and generative AI tools to IoT devices, perpetuate and amplify gender-based harms. I will discuss some of the initiatives and research efforts aimed at tackling these issues, as well as the technical, social, and legal challenges that continue to hinder meaningful protection for women and girls worldwide.

Curriculum ponente

  Miriam Fernandez is a Professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence at the Knowledge Media Institute (KMi), Open University (OU), UK. Her research agenda revolves around advancing Responsible AI, ensuring that technological innovation aligns with ethical principles and societal values. Her pioneering work spans diverse domains, from algorithmic transparency and fairness to the societal implications of AI deployment. By integrating AI techniques with a human-centred approach, she fosters solutions that prioritise social responsibility, transparency, and inclusivity. With a portfolio of more than 100 scientific articles in some of the best conferences and journals in her field, and having won numerous external grants supporting her research, Professor Fernandez has significantly influenced the discourse in the field of technology development and its impact on society. Her commitment to education is demonstrated through her leadership of OUAnalyse, a strategic initiative leveraging machine-learning methods for the early identification of students at risk. This technology, currently supporting the Open University’s 200K student body, has been highly awarded for its transformative impact on student outcomes. Professor Fernandez is also Equality and Diversity Champion for both KMi and the OU, where she leads the Responsible AI stream of the Center for Protecting Women Online, a flagship initiative that plays a critical role in mitigating the harmful effects of technology on women and girls worldwide.