Even data extracted during simple internet searches may be influenced by racial bias, explained Safiya Umoja Noble, Associate Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and author of Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism, during MoFo's second biennial Change from the Top diversity and inclusion event in San Francisco on October 10, 2019.

In her speech titled "Algorithmic Bias," Safiya Umoja Noble shed light on the problem of bias influencing artificial intelligence and other systems that rely on algorithms – and what organizations can do to identify and reduce bias.

"With these new technologies must come algorithmic accountability, especially in the multiple societies upon which they are deployed," she explained to the packed audience during her featured remarks.

In addition to highlighting the important issue of algorithmic bias in our increasingly technology reliant society, this year's Change from the Top event brought together CEOs and general counsel from organizations across various industries and MoFo lawyers to continue an ongoing dialogue about some of the biggest diversity and inclusion-related challenges facing businesses today.

Attendees participated in breakout workshops aimed at providing concrete steps to increase diversity and cultivate an inclusive culture at their own organizations. Topics discussed included:

" Diversity and Inclusion in a Global Context

" Increasing Diversity at All Levels

" Inclusion and Allies

This year's Change from the Top 2019 steering committee members included:

" Alexis Amezcua, Litigation Partner

" Rudy Kim, Litigation Partner

" Fredo Silva, Corporate Partner

" Christin Hill, Litigation Of Counsel

" Crystal Kaldjob, Finance Associate

" Lily Li, Litigation Associate

Visit our website to learn more about MoFo's Change from the Top program, as well as the topics and events covered in previous years.

Keynote speaker UCLA Associate Professor Safiya Umoja Noble addresses the audience during MoFo's second biennial Change from the Top (CFTT) event.

Guests listen to Safiya Umoja Noble during her keynote presentation.

From left, MoFo lawyers Suzy Marinkovich, Purvi Patel, Alexis Amezcua, and Julie Park gather for a photo.

A sign highlights one of the event's breakout sessions.

MoFo's Dario de Martino, John Owen, Bernie Pistillo, and Tony Carbone catch up with alum Keith Wetmore

Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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