Thread by @dmetilli

An open letter to @FAccTConference presenters and attendees (Thread) #FAccT2024

Dear FAccT presenters and attendees, and especially @timnitGebru @alexhanna @Abebab @laurenfklein @kanarinka @mmitchell_ai @GiadaPistilli @followlori @QueerinAI @DAIRInstitute @CodingRights. I am a postdoc and a FAccT 2024 PC member. I admire your work very much #FAccT2024

FAccT 2024 has refused to take a clear stance on the use of AI and other technologies in the ongoing genocide in Palestine. They published an appalling statement for which they were rightfully called out by @timnitGebru #FAccT2024

When I saw the FAccT statement, I was outraged and immediately asked the chairs of the conference to do something about it. Instead of addressing the issues, their response was to remove the statement saying that "science should not mix with politics". #FAccT2024

The FAccT 2024 general chairs now claim that they are not allowed to make any statement on AI and genocide. They also claim that last year’s statement on technology and human rights should be removed because it is inconsistent with ACM policies #FAccT2024

After speaking up, I was asked to delete my tweet calling out one of the general chairs, and was accused of acting unethically for making their response public (you all should read @SaraAhmed!) #FAccT2024

Personally I am boycotting FAccT and will not be attending. I am not asking you to do the same, but I am begging you to take a position. Do you think that science should not mix with politics? That big tech has no responsibility in the genocide? #FAccT2024

Can a conference on “Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency” just stay silent on the role of technology in genocide? Where is the transparency when statements are removed? Where is the accountability? Is this fair and ethical? #FAccT2024

I am just a humble postdoc. I do not have a platform. I do not have funding. I do what I can to oppose genocide within my means. Earlier this week I was arrested by police for protesting peacefully in London. I am going to keep protesting, speaking up, organizing #FAccT2024

I do not have the power to change what FAccT 2024 is doing. But you do, so please use it! Can you use your platforms to talk about Palestine? Can you use the conference to talk about the role of AI and big tech in the genocide? #FAccT2024

Can you ask FAccT to cut all ties with big tech companies that have lucrative contracts with the Israeli government? We are calling for our universities to divest, should not research conferences do the same? #FAccT2024facctconference.org/2024/sponsors

Research is politics. Technology is power. Silence is complicity. Free Palestine 🍉 #FAccT2024

(apologies, I meant to link to @SaraNAhmed not @SaraAhmed. Read her work! )saranahmed.com