ma 23 jun. 2025
20:00
di 17 jun. 2025
19:30
Who Owns the Future?
with Ruha Benjamin, Marietje Schaake & Robin Aïsha Pocornie
From the apps we use daily to the algorithms influencing everything from policing to hiring, technology is often seen as neutral, or even progressive. But what if it’s actually reinforcing inequality?
The John Adams Institute and the Rode Hoed are thrilled to invite sociologist and MacArthur “Genius” Ruha Benjamin. Drawing on her latest book Imagination for her keynote talk, she challenges the myth of neutral tech, introducing the notion of the “New Jim Code”—a term she coined to describe how technologies can replicate and deepen social biases in reference to the segregation-era laws and policies implemented in United States. Through compelling examples of biased bots and well-meaning algorithms gone haywire, Benjamin exposes how race and other so-called “disqualifiers” are embedded into the systems we use, asking us to imagine how tech could be reimagined for justice and equity.
After her keynote talk, Benjamin will be joined by Marietje Schaake and Robin Aïsha Pocornie.
Marietje Schaake is International Policy Director at Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center, author of The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley, and former Member of the European Parliament. She is a leading voice on digital rights and democratic oversight, pushing back against the unchecked power of Big Tech and calling for tech that serves the public good, not just corporate interests.
Computer scientist and AI ethics trailblazer Robin Aisha Pocornie was the first person in the Netherlands to establish case law on algorithmic discrimination after challenging facial recognition software that failed to detect her face due to her darker skin tone. She combines technical expertise with a commitment to social justice, advising organizations on bias mitigation and ethical AI development from an intersectional lens.
Moderated by Nienke Venema, director of the Stichting Democratie en Media, this timely conversation explores the growing tension between technological innovation and accountability. From big-picture visions to policy-level solutions, Benjamin, Schaake and Pocornie will dive into urgent questions about how to reclaim the future of technology—for everyone.
Program participants
Ruha Benjamin (Keynote Speaker) is Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. Her award-winning books include Race After Technology, Viral Justice, and Imagination: A Manifesto.
Marietje Schaake (Co-Speaker) is International Policy Director at Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center and President of the CyberPeace Institute. A former Member of European Parliament, she is a global advocate for digital rights and ethical tech governance. Photo: Rod Searcy
Robin Aïsha Pocornie (Co-Speaker) is a computer scientist and AI ethics advocate who made Dutch legal history by challenging racially biased facial recognition. As founder of robinAIsha Consultancy, she advises organizations on fair, intersectional AI. Her work has been featured in Wired, Al Jazeera, and TEDxAmsterdam.
Nienke Venema (Moderator) is Director of the Stichting Democratie en Media and Chair of the European Press Prize Board, with a focus on media innovation and democratic values.
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