The world of artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, yet the systemic issues surrounding gender equity remain pressing. As the tech industry undergoes rapid changes, women in this field strive for recognition not just as participants but as leaders. Dr. Rebecca Portnoff, the vice president of data science at Thorn, is a remarkable example. Thorn is a non-profit organization committed to developing technological solutions to combat child sexual abuse.
Dr. Portnoff’s journey in AI began at Princeton University, where she laid the groundwork for her dedication to making a meaningful impact through technology. After earning her PhD in computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, she joined Thorn as a volunteer research scientist in 2016, demonstrating her commitment to social good right from the start. Today, she leads a specialized team at Thorn focused on applying AI and machine learning to tackle the grave issues related to child protection, all while exemplifying resilience in a field that has historically sidelined women’s contributions.
Dr. Portnoff’s motivations are deeply rooted in personal experiences and landscape-shifting literature. She was profoundly influenced by the book “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn during her senior year, which enlightened her about child sexual abuse and sparked her desire to contribute to solutions for this critical issue. Reading such groundbreaking literature led her to focus her dissertation on leveraging AI in this sector, illustrating how academic insights can translate into real-world impacts.
Under Dr. Portnoff’s leadership, Thorn developed initiatives like the “Safety by Design” proposal in collaboration with All Tech Is Human. This endeavor aims to set foundational principles for developers of generative AI, in order to prevent the misuse of technology that could perpetuate child sexual abuse. One of the most challenging aspects of this initiative is aligning various industry leaders to commit to safety standards. Dr. Portnoff reflects, “It was a tremendous lift,” showcasing the collaboration required to foster meaningful change. The emotional toll of this work is palpable, as she admits to gaining more gray hair from the stresses of such important initiatives.
Despite the progress being made, Dr. Portnoff identifies the lack of comprehensive federal laws concerning non-consensual generative AI images as a major hurdle. Although states like Florida and New Mexico have implemented specific laws targeting AI-generated child abuse content, the piecemeal nature of such legislation highlights the urgent need for a unified national approach. Remarkably, studies show that one in ten minors have knowledge of peers generating naked imagery of other youngsters. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for both tech companies and legislators to act.
Dr. Portnoff emphasizes the role that ethical legislation will play in securing universal safety across platforms. “Legislation grounded in impact will be necessary to bring all companies and stakeholders on board,” she asserts, advocating for transparency and accountability in the tech industry, particularly concerning generative AI technologies.
Dr. Portnoff’s ascent in a predominantly male field has not been without its challenges. She vividly recalls instances where her views were ignored or where requests were made to confer with someone identified as having a more traditional technical background. Rather than succumb to these biases, she has found strength in her confidence, preparation, and a belief in goodwill. According to her, entering discussions well-prepared allows her not only to assert her expertise but also to question assumptions that are uncritically accepted in some circles.
For women aspiring to enter the fields of AI and tech, her advice is unequivocal: believe in your contributions and resist the temptation to conform to limiting stereotypes. “Everyone’s voice is needed in this AI revolution,” she insists, advocating for a diverse and inclusive approach to technology development.
The conversation about responsible AI does not merely involve engineers and data scientists; it demands engagement from multiple stakeholders. Dr. Portnoff raises an important point, noting that if organizations focus exclusively on internal discussions, they risk producing technologies that are disconnected from the broader societal context. “If you haven’t talked to anyone outside your organization in the process, you’re probably headed in the wrong direction,” she emphasizes.
Investors play a critical role as well. Dr. Portnoff urges them to consider ethical standards in their due diligence before funding AI startups. Evaluating a company’s commitment to ethical practices not only mitigates potential risks but can foster positive advancements in the field. As investments in AI startups continue to proliferate, the ethical considerations in these ventures cannot be ignored.
Looking to the future, Dr. Portnoff’s vision for responsible AI underscores the need for transparency, fairness, reliability, and safety in AI systems. These principles will help ensure that technological progress enhances our collective well-being, especially for the most vulnerable members of society. In navigating the intricate landscape of AI, women like Dr. Portnoff are proving indispensable and paving the way for a more ethical and inclusive technological future. The work is far from finished, but with strong voices leading the charge, there is hope for transformative change.