As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate, the urgent need for ethical considerations, particularly regarding children’s safety, has never been more critical. One prominent figure addressing these concerns is Dr. Rebecca Portnoff, vice president of data science at Thorn—a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing technology that combats child sexual abuse. Through her journey in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), Portnoff exemplifies a growing yet underrepresented demographic in tech: women who are not only breaking barriers but also reshaping the landscape of AI for social good.
From Academic Foundations to Social Impact
Dr. Portnoff’s academic journey began at Princeton University, where she laid the groundwork for her future contributions to the tech world. Pursuing a PhD in computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, she cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities associated with AI technologies. However, what sets her apart is her focus on socially impactful applications of technology. In 2016, Portnoff joined Thorn, where she initially served as a volunteer research scientist. Today, after eight years of committed work, she stands at the helm of a team that uniquely focuses on using AI to prevent child sexual abuse.
Portnoff credits her sister’s recommendation of the book “Half the Sky” as a pivotal moment in shaping her career path. The book introduced her to the critical issue of child sexual abuse and inspired her to align her academic pursuits with a meaningful cause. Her dissertation centered around harnessing machine learning and AI to address this grave issue, reaffirming the notion that academia can significantly contribute to societal betterment when aligned with real-world problems.
In her role at Thorn, Portnoff is charged with leading efforts to identify and rescue victims, thwart revictimization, and curb the viral distribution of sexual abuse materials online. The advent of generative AI technologies poses a significant challenge, as they have become increasingly sophisticated in creating non-consensual sexual content. With no comprehensive federal laws currently in place to regulate such practices, states like Florida and New Mexico have taken the initiative to introduce specific legislation targeting AI and child abuse.
Dr. Portnoff highlights the alarming statistic that one in ten minors report awareness of peers generating nude images of other children. This stark reality emphasizes the urgent need for robust mitigations to prevent further misuse of AI technology. Thorn is on the forefront of advocating for ‘safety by design’ principles among tech companies, ensuring that those developing generative AI technologies implement stringent measures to combat potential misuse aimed at sexual exploitation.
Portnoff’s insightful approach underscores the importance of collaboration across various stakeholders, including tech companies, policymakers, and civil society organizations. This partnership is vital in developing a standardized legislation framework that can provide comprehensive protection against AI-driven exploitation. By partnering with organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Thorn seeks to create universally applicable standards that can be utilized to hold tech companies accountable for their safeguarding measures.
The proactive measures advocated by Dr. Portnoff extend beyond merely addressing current instances of abuse; she emphasizes the need for greater transparency, fairness, and reliability in AI applications. This responsibility, she argues, requires engaging a wider array of voices beyond those merely within the tech industry, fostering a culture of active listening and collaboration.
Navigating the tech industry can be particularly daunting for women like Portnoff, who have encountered skepticism regarding their expertise. Despite facing challenges such as being disregarded in discussions in favor of their male counterparts, she emphasizes the significance of preparedness and confidence. These traits empower her to assert her technical background effectively. Furthermore, Portnoff encourages aspiring female technologists to embrace their potential rather than succumb to societal biases.
As AI technologies become more integrated into everyday life, it is crucial for diverse voices to inform and shape the future of these systems. Portnoff’s experiences underscore that as the demographic landscape in tech evolves, so too must the conversations surrounding ethical AI considerations.
The work spearheaded by Dr. Rebecca Portnoff serves as a beacon in a field that is often dominated by male voices. As she continues to push for ethical AI practices, her journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that women can have in shaping technology for the greater good. The call for collaboration, ethical responsibility, and inclusive dialogue cannot be overstated as we move toward a future where AI plays an integral role in our lives.