Student Testimonial
As an international student from a deprived province in Pakistan, I have witnessed firsthand the consequences of systemic bias and neglect. Growing up in an environment where opportunities were scarce and voices often went unheard, I developed an acute awareness of injustice in all its forms. However, it was not until I arrived in the United States that I truly comprehended the depth of bias faced by Black individuals in the digital world. Seeing this reality up close has been both eye-opening and heartbreaking.
Technology should be a force for progress and empowerment, yet it is increasingly being weaponized to perpetuate exclusion and discrimination. I am deeply concerned about the protection of Black individuals' digital lives, and I feel a profound responsibility to speak out against these injustices. The pervasiveness of algorithmic bias in areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, and the criminal justice system is alarming. These systems, which should promote fairness and equal opportunity, instead strip individuals of dignity and create insurmountable barriers. The lack of transparency and accountability only deepens these inequities, making it nearly impossible for those affected to seek redress.
Even more troubling is the use of surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition, which disproportionately misidentify Black individuals. The wrongful accusations and false arrests that arise from these flawed systems are not just statistics—they represent real people whose lives are disrupted, dignity shattered, and trust in society eroded. Witnessing the fear and anxiety these communities experience due to constant over-policing fills me with sadness and anger. No one should have to live under the weight of such fear simply because of the color of their skin.
Furthermore, the exploitation of Black individuals' personal data by powerful tech corporations without their consent is a grave violation of their autonomy and dignity. These companies profit from their data, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and spreading misinformation that hinders social and economic progress. This is not merely an invasion of privacy; it is a form of digital oppression that must be confronted and dismantled.
We cannot afford to remain silent. Stronger policies and regulations must be implemented to protect Black communities from these harmful practices. Advocating for robust data privacy laws and stricter biometric data collection policies is not just about securing personal information; it is about fighting for justice, equality, and respect in the digital age.
Though my lived experiences may be different, I stand in unwavering solidarity with Black communities. I am committed to using my voice to amplify their concerns and advocate for a future where technology serves as a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.
Walwala
Master’s in International Development Policy
