The World We Are Building

Krystal Kauffman - Empowering Gig Workers in the AI Era. Annotators and the value of their work, Gig workers role in data labeling, Mechanical Turk and the value of community

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In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked human element behind artificial intelligence, focusing on the rights and experiences of gig workers who contribute to AI development through data annotation platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk. Ally is joined by Krystal Kauffman, whose unique journey from political campaigning to advocating for gig workers provides a critical perspective on the intersection of technology and labor rights.

Krystal has a rich background in politics and community organizing, which she has leveraged in her roles at Turkopticon and DAIR to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of gig workers. Her experience as a gig worker herself, coupled with her academic pursuits in geology, provides her with a unique insight into the challenges faced by workers in the digital economy.


Learn about the significant yet often invisible role that gig workers play in the AI industry, the challenges they face, and the potential for systemic change. Krystal discusses the ethical considerations of AI development, the impact of big tech's power dynamics, and her efforts to ensure fair treatment and equitable pay for gig workers globally.


This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the critical intersections of technology, labor, and ethics. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of gig workers and the pressing need for advocacy and reform in the tech industry.


Links:

Krystal on LinkedIn

Turkopticon - Blog

DAIR


The World We Are Building

If you want to get in touch with us, feel free to reach out to ⁠⁠Allison Cohen⁠⁠ and/or ⁠⁠Peter Kurzwelly⁠⁠ on LinkedIn, or both of us on ⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠.

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The World We Are BuildingBy Ally Cohen