Dr Abeba Birhane
@abeba.bsky.social
Founder & PI @aial.ie. Assistant Professor of AI, School of Computer Science & Statistics, @tcddublin.bsky.social
AI accountability, AI audits & evaluation, critical data studies. Cognitive scientist by training. Ethiopian in Ireland. She/her
AI accountability, AI audits & evaluation, critical data studies. Cognitive scientist by training. Ethiopian in Ireland. She/her
Pinned
Dr Abeba Birhane
@abeba.bsky.social
· Jun 25
Computer-vision research powers surveillance technology - Nature
An analysis of research papers and citing patents indicates the extensive ties between computer-vision research and surveillance.
www.nature.com
New paper hot off the press www.nature.com/articles/s41...
We analysed over 40,000 computer vision papers from CVPR (the longest standing CV conf) & associated patents tracing pathways from research to application. We found that 90% of papers & 86% of downstream patents power surveillance
1/
We analysed over 40,000 computer vision papers from CVPR (the longest standing CV conf) & associated patents tracing pathways from research to application. We found that 90% of papers & 86% of downstream patents power surveillance
1/
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Tesla doesn't recongise Trade Unions.
Apple doesn't recognise unions.
Amazon is anti-union.
McDonald's is anti-union.
Starbucks is anti-union.
Google is anti-union.
Walmart is anti-union.
The big corporations are not on your side.
Apple doesn't recognise unions.
Amazon is anti-union.
McDonald's is anti-union.
Starbucks is anti-union.
Google is anti-union.
Walmart is anti-union.
The big corporations are not on your side.
December 25, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Tesla doesn't recongise Trade Unions.
Apple doesn't recognise unions.
Amazon is anti-union.
McDonald's is anti-union.
Starbucks is anti-union.
Google is anti-union.
Walmart is anti-union.
The big corporations are not on your side.
Apple doesn't recognise unions.
Amazon is anti-union.
McDonald's is anti-union.
Starbucks is anti-union.
Google is anti-union.
Walmart is anti-union.
The big corporations are not on your side.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
DOJ: Nothing suggests Donald Trump is a sexual predator.
ME (thinking): How could an adjudicated rapist, accused of sexual assault by dozens of women, who paid hush money to a porn star, who cheated on all his wives, and comes up 100s of times in The Epstein Files, possibly be a sexual predator?
ME (thinking): How could an adjudicated rapist, accused of sexual assault by dozens of women, who paid hush money to a porn star, who cheated on all his wives, and comes up 100s of times in The Epstein Files, possibly be a sexual predator?
December 24, 2025 at 6:29 AM
DOJ: Nothing suggests Donald Trump is a sexual predator.
ME (thinking): How could an adjudicated rapist, accused of sexual assault by dozens of women, who paid hush money to a porn star, who cheated on all his wives, and comes up 100s of times in The Epstein Files, possibly be a sexual predator?
ME (thinking): How could an adjudicated rapist, accused of sexual assault by dozens of women, who paid hush money to a porn star, who cheated on all his wives, and comes up 100s of times in The Epstein Files, possibly be a sexual predator?
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Elon Musk spent $277 million to elect Trump.
Now Trump is letting the AI that Musk controls be integrated into our military.
This is beyond corruption and way beyond dangerous.
Now Trump is letting the AI that Musk controls be integrated into our military.
This is beyond corruption and way beyond dangerous.
December 23, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Elon Musk spent $277 million to elect Trump.
Now Trump is letting the AI that Musk controls be integrated into our military.
This is beyond corruption and way beyond dangerous.
Now Trump is letting the AI that Musk controls be integrated into our military.
This is beyond corruption and way beyond dangerous.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
I mean yeah it’s an authoritarian takeover but can we take some comfort in the fact that the people doing it are INSANELY stupid?
December 23, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I mean yeah it’s an authoritarian takeover but can we take some comfort in the fact that the people doing it are INSANELY stupid?
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
I get that it's illegal to be a member of Palestine Action. It shouldn't be but it is. I'm not sure saying you support Palestine Action is though.
Surely there'd have to be some actual support beyond saying it? Am I now likely to be arrested if I say I support Greta Thunberg?
Ridiculous country
Surely there'd have to be some actual support beyond saying it? Am I now likely to be arrested if I say I support Greta Thunberg?
Ridiculous country
December 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
I get that it's illegal to be a member of Palestine Action. It shouldn't be but it is. I'm not sure saying you support Palestine Action is though.
Surely there'd have to be some actual support beyond saying it? Am I now likely to be arrested if I say I support Greta Thunberg?
Ridiculous country
Surely there'd have to be some actual support beyond saying it? Am I now likely to be arrested if I say I support Greta Thunberg?
Ridiculous country
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
We condemn the scandalous US visa ban on former EU Commisioner Breton and digital activists. Protecting democracy isn’t censorship. ✋🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
December 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We condemn the scandalous US visa ban on former EU Commisioner Breton and digital activists. Protecting democracy isn’t censorship. ✋🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
Disinformation isn’t free speech. Europe won’t take lessons from those undermining democracy and free speech.
Here in Europe we set our own laws. 🇪🇺✊🏼
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
With the latest attacks, Gaza officials say Israel has violated the U.S.-brokered October 10 ceasefire at least 875 times.
December 24, 2025 at 3:36 AM
With the latest attacks, Gaza officials say Israel has violated the U.S.-brokered October 10 ceasefire at least 875 times.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
It’s not “losing money” any more than air traffic controllers or public highways or street lights or fire departments are “losing money.” It is a government service. It’s not SUPPOSED to make money. It’s supposed to reliably deliver to anywhere in the US, even the unprofitable places.
The USPS faces a tight squeeze. With fewer people using the mail, it’s lost more and more money: $9 billion in the 12 months ending in September alone.
https://cnn.it/4qkeNoF
https://cnn.it/4qkeNoF
December 24, 2025 at 5:33 PM
It’s not “losing money” any more than air traffic controllers or public highways or street lights or fire departments are “losing money.” It is a government service. It’s not SUPPOSED to make money. It’s supposed to reliably deliver to anywhere in the US, even the unprofitable places.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
The judge also ordered that teachers have a right to misgender trans youth even when the parents know of and are supportive of their trans child. Just in case you thought this was actually about parental rights.
24 Dec 2025 @rikiwilchins.bsky.social -- Judge overturns CA school policy on outing trans kids, rules parents have right to know & teachers a right to tell them but no mention of child's rights. Case likely bound for Supremes. Weirdly CA law allows abortion w/o parental notification.
Federal judge rules California teachers are allowed to ‘out’ transgender students to parents
The ruling applies to all public schools in California and is a victory for two teachers who claimed that district policies violated their constitutional free speech and religious rights.
edsource.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:50 PM
The judge also ordered that teachers have a right to misgender trans youth even when the parents know of and are supportive of their trans child. Just in case you thought this was actually about parental rights.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Pleased to partner with Philip Morris on our “healthy smoking in schools” initiative
We know students, like the rest of the world, are using AI. Teachers need to be equipped to deal w/all the issues AI creates. Our approach starts with maximizing safety & privacy and empowering educators to make educational decisions, so AI tools can benefit not harm www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
AI has become the norm for students. Teachers are playing catch-up.
At a New York City training session, educators explored how artificial intelligence could support teaching while also discussing their concerns around the technology.
www.nbcnews.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Pleased to partner with Philip Morris on our “healthy smoking in schools” initiative
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
NEW: last night, the US govt launched an assault on the ‘global censorship industrial complex’, aka European tech researchers/campaigners.
It’s a deeply chilling move & speaks as to why we need international solidarity more than ever.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
It’s a deeply chilling move & speaks as to why we need international solidarity more than ever.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
A message to America: we are not your enemy
Last night, the US launched an all-out assault on the "global censorship industrial complex", I respond with some deep breaths, solidarity and a vibey video (it's all I have)
open.substack.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:52 AM
NEW: last night, the US govt launched an assault on the ‘global censorship industrial complex’, aka European tech researchers/campaigners.
It’s a deeply chilling move & speaks as to why we need international solidarity more than ever.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
It’s a deeply chilling move & speaks as to why we need international solidarity more than ever.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
"It is logically impossible to simultaneously be evil, corrupt, and incompetent" is an absolutely amazing take to have in the year of 2025
December 23, 2025 at 9:51 PM
"It is logically impossible to simultaneously be evil, corrupt, and incompetent" is an absolutely amazing take to have in the year of 2025
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Anyone else have a coauthor who is so much fun to write with that you just find yourself grinning in some combination of satisfaction and pride as you edit a manuscript?
If not, get yourself one.
If not, get yourself one.
December 24, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Anyone else have a coauthor who is so much fun to write with that you just find yourself grinning in some combination of satisfaction and pride as you edit a manuscript?
If not, get yourself one.
If not, get yourself one.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
We analysed 73,000 articles and found the UK media is divorcing ‘climate change’ from net zero
theconversation.com/we-analysed-...
theconversation.com/we-analysed-...
We analysed 73,000 articles and found the UK media is divorcing ‘climate change’ from net zero
Articles on net zero used to always explain the scientific background. But not anymore.
theconversation.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:39 AM
We analysed 73,000 articles and found the UK media is divorcing ‘climate change’ from net zero
theconversation.com/we-analysed-...
theconversation.com/we-analysed-...
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
My Gods, they need to be sued until they switch these fucking things off.
A Character AI chatbot with an 11yr old girl (last year before they restricted genAI chat feature to under 18s)
December 23, 2025 at 11:17 PM
My Gods, they need to be sued until they switch these fucking things off.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
the least shocking thing in the epstein files that wont get enough attention. police regularly arrest and charge victims to coerce them into participating, often jailing them in conditions that are worse.
jesus the Palm Beach Police really sought arrest warrants against underage Epstein victims for coming forward and cooperating, and (purported) admitting to crimes, and it caused the victims to become uncooperative with the federal investigation
![. . . very cooperative, but the police at that point had to let [redacted] know that what she had done that she could be facing charges.
Q And that was after they had told her earlier that she didn't need an attorney present, correct?
A Exactly.
Q Okay. So this happens to her with the Palm Beach Police Department and did the Palm Beach Police actually present or propose charging [redacted]?
A They did get a probable cause affidavit against [redacted].
Q And is that why Ms. [redacted] and her attorney were concerned about her testimony here?
A Yes.
Q Now was a subpoena issued for Ms. [redacted] on behalf of this grand jury?
A Yes, it was.
Q And before Ms. [redacted] would comply with that, did she -- did her attorney request some sort of order?
A Yes.
Q And what did he ask for?
A He asked for immunity for [redacted].](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:eoss3vmzem55cm5kuddhdmwn/bafkreiariijffjjrgfh26o22jjr76pwprinvnbpkcho5lyi2sucfbqlooy@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 8:10 PM
the least shocking thing in the epstein files that wont get enough attention. police regularly arrest and charge victims to coerce them into participating, often jailing them in conditions that are worse.
chants against the most evil military institution provokes legal investigation while Israel kills Palestinians everyday
UK police end investigation into Bob Vylan’s IDF chants at Glastonbury
UK police end investigation into Bob Vylan’s IDF chants at Glastonbury
Rap-duo member led crowds in chants of ‘death, death to the IDF’
www.irishtimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:18 PM
chants against the most evil military institution provokes legal investigation while Israel kills Palestinians everyday
this feels a correct assessment of the attitude within the industry, from big tech to small start-ups
and/or so EA-pilled that you consider these to be acceptable casualties
December 23, 2025 at 9:42 PM
this feels a correct assessment of the attitude within the industry, from big tech to small start-ups
A Character AI chatbot with an 11yr old girl (last year before they restricted genAI chat feature to under 18s)
December 23, 2025 at 9:10 PM
A Character AI chatbot with an 11yr old girl (last year before they restricted genAI chat feature to under 18s)
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
They’re scrambling. Written for a party of one.
December 23, 2025 at 4:22 PM
They’re scrambling. Written for a party of one.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
You know those stories about how the magic of Christmas miraculously restores your faith in humanity? It isn't working.
December 23, 2025 at 3:18 PM
You know those stories about how the magic of Christmas miraculously restores your faith in humanity? It isn't working.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Its really nice to live in a country where the head of state (the Taoiseach) can walk down streets of Cork all alone, completely unharassed. I did notice a few grumbles in his wake though :)
December 23, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Its really nice to live in a country where the head of state (the Taoiseach) can walk down streets of Cork all alone, completely unharassed. I did notice a few grumbles in his wake though :)
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
The Cracker Barrel thing was THIS YEAR. We have three more years of this shit. Anybody who makes it to 2028 without looking like Nosferatu will be required by the state to start a skincare brand.
December 23, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The Cracker Barrel thing was THIS YEAR. We have three more years of this shit. Anybody who makes it to 2028 without looking like Nosferatu will be required by the state to start a skincare brand.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
People can chalk it up to just jokes, but all Chappelle is doing is normalizing violence against transgender people for having the nerve to exist. He's helping to make the world scarier for people who deserve their peace. By a little or a lot, it doesn't matter.
December 23, 2025 at 12:45 PM
People can chalk it up to just jokes, but all Chappelle is doing is normalizing violence against transgender people for having the nerve to exist. He's helping to make the world scarier for people who deserve their peace. By a little or a lot, it doesn't matter.