Carissa Véliz

Carissa Véliz, an esteemed Associate Professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI and a Fellow at Hertford College, University of Oxford, is renowned for her profound insights on artificial intelligence. Her scholarly accolades, notably the 2021 Herbert A. Simon’s Award for Outstanding Research in Computing and Philosophy underscores her reputation as a leading voice in the realm of digital ethics. Carissa’s book, ‘Privacy Is Power’, recognised as an Economist Book of the Year in 2020, illuminates the pivotal role of privacy in the digital age and has earned her widespread acclaim.

Her work spans the breadth of digital ethics, especially on issues concerning privacy and AI ethics. Beyond theoretical engagements, Carissa delves into practical ethics, political philosophy, and public policy, framing the implications of AI within the broader socio-political context. Such an expansive repertoire has positioned her at the forefront of policy-making endeavours. Her involvement with the Group of Experts at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation in Spain, for drafting a Digital Rights Charter, and her testimony to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee, reveals her pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape.

Carissa Véliz’s influence is not confined to academic circles or policy-making rooms. Her articles, published in renowned outlets like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Independent, have extended her reach to a global audience, fostering a broader understanding of the intricate relationship between technology, ethics, and society. Furthermore, her academic pursuits, showcased in premier publications like The Harvard Business Review and Nature Electronics, further cement her reputation as a trailblazer in the exploration of the ethical ramifications of AI.

At the core of her advocacy is a fervent belief in the potency of privacy. Carissa’s ‘Privacy Is Power’ delves into the inherent dangers of relinquishing personal data, cautioning against the unchecked accumulation of power by corporations and governments alike. Her assertion that “whoever has the data has the power” resonates deeply in our data-driven age. Recognising personal data as a “toxic asset,” she ardently calls for its stringent regulation, likening it to a hazardous substance. Beyond her writings, Carissa actively collaborates with both private and public institutions as a consultant, guiding them through the labyrinth of digital ethics and fostering a more equitable digital future.