An automated grading system in the UK downgraded students from disadvantaged areas. The Dutch student finance agency DUO used code to scan for fraud, which prioritized checking students with a migrant background. And the Toeslagenaffaire saw thousands of families falsely accused of fraud with child benefits due to a discriminatory algorithm disadvantaging people with a low income.

AI systems around the world are quietly reshaping human lives – often at the cost of the most vulnerable.

During this evening organised by de Balie, Madhumita Murgia, author of the book ‘Code-Dependent’, examines how these systems come to be, who builds them – and who bears the cost. How can we ensure that AI in our society is fair, inclusive, and transparent? And how do we make citizens active participants in shaping these technologies?