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
Your daily reminder that the fossil fuel industry is propped up by billions of dollars in U.S. government subsidies and a multimillion dollar campaign to spread climate disinformation. 💵
November 17, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Your daily reminder that the fossil fuel industry is propped up by billions of dollars in U.S. government subsidies and a multimillion dollar campaign to spread climate disinformation. 💵
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
mr president sir theres a story coming about how you intervened to help a sex criminal. no sir, not that sex criminal you helped….no not that one either…sir, please stop guessing sex criminals that you helped. ill give you a hint sir, hes a trafficker. no sir, not that trafficker a different one
NEW: When Andrew Tate landed in the US, Customs & Border Protection seized his electronic devices. But @propublica.org found that a White House official told DHS to return the devices, emphasizing that the request came from the White House.
By @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
By @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
The White House Intervened on Behalf of Accused Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate During a Federal Investigation
Federal authorities were chided for seizing electronic devices from Tate and his brother, and told to return them, records and interviews show. Experts said the intervention was highly inappropriate.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 1:10 PM
mr president sir theres a story coming about how you intervened to help a sex criminal. no sir, not that sex criminal you helped….no not that one either…sir, please stop guessing sex criminals that you helped. ill give you a hint sir, hes a trafficker. no sir, not that trafficker a different one
every large public institution (esp, universities & schools) reliant on big tech infrastructure should take note as the "bursting of the AI bubble" will bring these sectors down with it
do you now see how the likes of Oxford signing contracts with OpenAI was a grave mistake
do you now see how the likes of Oxford signing contracts with OpenAI was a grave mistake
No firm is immune if AI bubble bursts, Google CEO tells BBC reut.rs/43D5Zl4
No firm is immune if AI bubble bursts, Google CEO tells BBC
Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said no company would be unscathed if the artificial intelligence boom collapses, as soaring valuations and heavy investment in the sector fuel concerns of a bubble.
reut.rs
November 18, 2025 at 1:06 PM
every large public institution (esp, universities & schools) reliant on big tech infrastructure should take note as the "bursting of the AI bubble" will bring these sectors down with it
do you now see how the likes of Oxford signing contracts with OpenAI was a grave mistake
do you now see how the likes of Oxford signing contracts with OpenAI was a grave mistake
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Canada is also falling for AI industry hype, which is threatening to escalate the environmental crisis and derail democracy.
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
Europe’s policy makers continue to echo corporate hype and tech CEOs' speculations about “AGI” and “superintelligence”. In this piece, @krisshrishak.bsky.social & I call on our policy makers to be grounded in empirical evidence
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
AI Hype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course | TechPolicy.Press
Kris Shrishak and Abeba Birhane say policymakers should stop peddling in unscientific discourse about "AGI" and "superintelligence."
www.techpolicy.press
November 18, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Canada is also falling for AI industry hype, which is threatening to escalate the environmental crisis and derail democracy.
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
He’s consistent, he makes incorrect predictions all the time, like 2 years ago saying we were 2 years away from AGI or saying 90 percent of code would be AI in 6 months, 8 months ago. Not even close on any of those but since he’s never held accountable or even asked about it he keeps going.
November 17, 2025 at 9:36 PM
He’s consistent, he makes incorrect predictions all the time, like 2 years ago saying we were 2 years away from AGI or saying 90 percent of code would be AI in 6 months, 8 months ago. Not even close on any of those but since he’s never held accountable or even asked about it he keeps going.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
New attacks near Bethlehem and Hebron underscore intensifying Israeli violence in occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli settlers torch homes and vehicles in Palestinian West Bank villages
New attacks near Bethlehem and Hebron underscore intensifying Israeli violence in occupied Palestinian territory.
bit.ly
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
New attacks near Bethlehem and Hebron underscore intensifying Israeli violence in occupied Palestinian territory.
all speculation and no actual evidence to back up his claims
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei thinks AI could help find cures for most cancers, prevent Alzheimer’s, and even double the human lifespan. cbsn.ws/4oRZ8Nm
November 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM
all speculation and no actual evidence to back up his claims
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
NEW: An Irish tourist visiting the US was jailed by ICE for 3 months after overstaying 3 days due to medical issue. Thomas agreed to be deported, but instead went to federal prison where he recounted horrific conditions + no medical care.
“Nobody's safe from the system if they get pulled into it"
“Nobody's safe from the system if they get pulled into it"
Irish tourist jailed by Ice for months after overstaying US visit by three days: ‘Nobody is safe’
Exclusive: For roughly 100 days, Thomas says he faced harsh detention conditions, despite agreeing to deportation
www.theguardian.com
July 15, 2025 at 6:41 PM
NEW: An Irish tourist visiting the US was jailed by ICE for 3 months after overstaying 3 days due to medical issue. Thomas agreed to be deported, but instead went to federal prison where he recounted horrific conditions + no medical care.
“Nobody's safe from the system if they get pulled into it"
“Nobody's safe from the system if they get pulled into it"
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Alt gairid ag @abeba.bsky.social agus comhghleacaí maidir leis an litir oscailte as @ec.europa.eu
Speculation-based policies have dire costs with downstream impact for your constituents. Such policies do not serve them.
Alt gairid ag @abeba.bsky.social agus comhghleacaí maidir leis an litir oscailte as @ec.europa.eu
Speculation-based policies have dire costs with downstream impact for your constituents. Such policies do not serve them.
AI Hype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course | TechPolicy.Press
Kris Shrishak and Abeba Birhane say policymakers should stop peddling in unscientific discourse about "AGI" and "superintelligence."
www.techpolicy.press
November 17, 2025 at 8:04 PM
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Alt gairid ag @abeba.bsky.social agus comhghleacaí maidir leis an litir oscailte as @ec.europa.eu
Speculation-based policies have dire costs with downstream impact for your constituents. Such policies do not serve them.
Alt gairid ag @abeba.bsky.social agus comhghleacaí maidir leis an litir oscailte as @ec.europa.eu
Speculation-based policies have dire costs with downstream impact for your constituents. Such policies do not serve them.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
In a short piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social, @abeba.bsky.social and I write #AIHype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course.
Stop peddling in unscientific discourse about “AGI” and “superintelligence.” Serve citizens. Don't cater to the whims of tech CEOs.
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Stop peddling in unscientific discourse about “AGI” and “superintelligence.” Serve citizens. Don't cater to the whims of tech CEOs.
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
AI Hype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course | TechPolicy.Press
Kris Shrishak and Abeba Birhane say policymakers should stop peddling in unscientific discourse about "AGI" and "superintelligence."
www.techpolicy.press
November 17, 2025 at 2:09 PM
In a short piece for @techpolicypress.bsky.social, @abeba.bsky.social and I write #AIHype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course.
Stop peddling in unscientific discourse about “AGI” and “superintelligence.” Serve citizens. Don't cater to the whims of tech CEOs.
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Stop peddling in unscientific discourse about “AGI” and “superintelligence.” Serve citizens. Don't cater to the whims of tech CEOs.
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
"data centers already accounted for 22% of Ireland's total electricity consumption in 2024. In the Dublin/Meath area, where a third of Ireland's population lives, 48% of the electricity was used by data centers in 2023." @abeba.bsky.social & @krisshrishak.bsky.social
✍🏼 www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
✍🏼 www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
November 17, 2025 at 2:24 PM
"data centers already accounted for 22% of Ireland's total electricity consumption in 2024. In the Dublin/Meath area, where a third of Ireland's population lives, 48% of the electricity was used by data centers in 2023." @abeba.bsky.social & @krisshrishak.bsky.social
✍🏼 www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
✍🏼 www.iccl.ie/press-releas...
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
We need our policymakers everywhere to be attuned to the needs of the people, not the whims of CEOs -- and especially not CEOs in the grip of TESCREAList fantasies.
Thank you @abeba.bsky.social and @krisshrishak.bsky.social for speaking up
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Thank you @abeba.bsky.social and @krisshrishak.bsky.social for speaking up
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
AI Hype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course | TechPolicy.Press
Kris Shrishak and Abeba Birhane say policymakers should stop peddling in unscientific discourse about "AGI" and "superintelligence."
www.techpolicy.press
November 17, 2025 at 2:41 PM
We need our policymakers everywhere to be attuned to the needs of the people, not the whims of CEOs -- and especially not CEOs in the grip of TESCREAList fantasies.
Thank you @abeba.bsky.social and @krisshrishak.bsky.social for speaking up
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Thank you @abeba.bsky.social and @krisshrishak.bsky.social for speaking up
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Europe’s policy makers continue to echo corporate hype and tech CEOs' speculations about “AGI” and “superintelligence”. In this piece, @krisshrishak.bsky.social & I call on our policy makers to be grounded in empirical evidence
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
AI Hype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course | TechPolicy.Press
Kris Shrishak and Abeba Birhane say policymakers should stop peddling in unscientific discourse about "AGI" and "superintelligence."
www.techpolicy.press
November 17, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Europe’s policy makers continue to echo corporate hype and tech CEOs' speculations about “AGI” and “superintelligence”. In this piece, @krisshrishak.bsky.social & I call on our policy makers to be grounded in empirical evidence
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
given the way we talk about such things in Britain this isn’t that surprising
holy shit: “Among the 2,000 UK adults surveyed, 85% were unaware that Britain forcibly transported more than 3 million Africans to the Caribbean, 89% did not know that Britain enslaved people in the Caribbean for more than 300 years” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Caribbean reparations leaders in ‘historic’ first UK visit to press for justice
CRC mission will seek to deepen public understanding of Britain’s colonial legacy and its lasting impact
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:05 PM
given the way we talk about such things in Britain this isn’t that surprising
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
“Actually, it isn’t a ‘house fire’ until at least 51% of the floor plan is in flames. Ideally half the rooms or more. Before that it’s only ‘architectural burning with house fire architectural characteristics.’”
My mistake has been trying to explain what "fascism" is to people who don't care what it is.
So I'm going to try something else. Let's do this as a practical thought exercise.
If America *were* fascist *today* - what would you have to do differently in your daily life? /1
So I'm going to try something else. Let's do this as a practical thought exercise.
If America *were* fascist *today* - what would you have to do differently in your daily life? /1
November 16, 2025 at 4:47 PM
“Actually, it isn’t a ‘house fire’ until at least 51% of the floor plan is in flames. Ideally half the rooms or more. Before that it’s only ‘architectural burning with house fire architectural characteristics.’”
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
This guy clearly has no friends or family that are currently under threat of being disappeared by the secret police.
It’s not worth more of a response, but people like this in media is part of why we are where we are.
It’s not worth more of a response, but people like this in media is part of why we are where we are.
My mistake has been trying to explain what "fascism" is to people who don't care what it is.
So I'm going to try something else. Let's do this as a practical thought exercise.
If America *were* fascist *today* - what would you have to do differently in your daily life? /1
So I'm going to try something else. Let's do this as a practical thought exercise.
If America *were* fascist *today* - what would you have to do differently in your daily life? /1
November 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
This guy clearly has no friends or family that are currently under threat of being disappeared by the secret police.
It’s not worth more of a response, but people like this in media is part of why we are where we are.
It’s not worth more of a response, but people like this in media is part of why we are where we are.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Me when I’m a white cisgender man and the fascism hasn’t been ramped up enough to effect the category of people I fit into yet
Fascism is only fascism when it looks like Mussolini did it or whatever
Fascism is only fascism when it looks like Mussolini did it or whatever
My mistake has been trying to explain what "fascism" is to people who don't care what it is.
So I'm going to try something else. Let's do this as a practical thought exercise.
If America *were* fascist *today* - what would you have to do differently in your daily life? /1
So I'm going to try something else. Let's do this as a practical thought exercise.
If America *were* fascist *today* - what would you have to do differently in your daily life? /1
November 16, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Me when I’m a white cisgender man and the fascism hasn’t been ramped up enough to effect the category of people I fit into yet
Fascism is only fascism when it looks like Mussolini did it or whatever
Fascism is only fascism when it looks like Mussolini did it or whatever
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Me when I think about how my lifelong affection for AI as an idea is poisoned every day by the bullshit pretender they are using to ruin everything I love
a close up of a man 's face with his mouth open
Alt: Shatner/Kirk KHAN!!’ scream
media.tenor.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Me when I think about how my lifelong affection for AI as an idea is poisoned every day by the bullshit pretender they are using to ruin everything I love
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Hey folks. I have spent *days* reading and meticulously drafting comments on a very lengthy manuscript. Which I have just found includes an AI-faked quote. Attributed to ME.
Here is a thread of my feelings
Here is a thread of my feelings
a man in a blue shirt says " i am untethered and my rage knows no bounds ! "
ALT: a man in a blue shirt says " i am untethered and my rage knows no bounds ! "
media.tenor.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Hey folks. I have spent *days* reading and meticulously drafting comments on a very lengthy manuscript. Which I have just found includes an AI-faked quote. Attributed to ME.
Here is a thread of my feelings
Here is a thread of my feelings
last night at a formal event (more on this later) my work was described as “keeping the AI industry in check”
a nice lady from another table walks over & asks me: “my sister asked chatGPT how to get a pay rise & the answer boiled down to “become a man”. why did that happen & how do we fix it?”
a nice lady from another table walks over & asks me: “my sister asked chatGPT how to get a pay rise & the answer boiled down to “become a man”. why did that happen & how do we fix it?”
November 16, 2025 at 6:14 PM
last night at a formal event (more on this later) my work was described as “keeping the AI industry in check”
a nice lady from another table walks over & asks me: “my sister asked chatGPT how to get a pay rise & the answer boiled down to “become a man”. why did that happen & how do we fix it?”
a nice lady from another table walks over & asks me: “my sister asked chatGPT how to get a pay rise & the answer boiled down to “become a man”. why did that happen & how do we fix it?”
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
meanwhile the European Commission did the exact opposite and migrated its intranets from europa. eu to a Microsoft domain
November 16, 2025 at 10:48 AM
meanwhile the European Commission did the exact opposite and migrated its intranets from europa. eu to a Microsoft domain
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
BREAKING: five arrested under Terrorism Act for Westminster bridge banner drop
Six Prisoner for Palestine are on hunger strike, facing two years on remand without trial. Their demands include immediate bail and the end of counter terror powers against people protesting genocide.
Six Prisoner for Palestine are on hunger strike, facing two years on remand without trial. Their demands include immediate bail and the end of counter terror powers against people protesting genocide.
November 15, 2025 at 4:36 PM
BREAKING: five arrested under Terrorism Act for Westminster bridge banner drop
Six Prisoner for Palestine are on hunger strike, facing two years on remand without trial. Their demands include immediate bail and the end of counter terror powers against people protesting genocide.
Six Prisoner for Palestine are on hunger strike, facing two years on remand without trial. Their demands include immediate bail and the end of counter terror powers against people protesting genocide.
Reposted by Dr Abeba Birhane
Our colleagues at the AI Accountability Lab (@aial.ie) in Trinity College Dublin are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher on Generative AI (GenAI) in Public Service.
👉 Learn more and apply here: aial.ie/hiring/postd...
#AIResearch #GenerativeAI #PublicService #AIAL #ResponsibleAI
👉 Learn more and apply here: aial.ie/hiring/postd...
#AIResearch #GenerativeAI #PublicService #AIAL #ResponsibleAI
November 12, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Our colleagues at the AI Accountability Lab (@aial.ie) in Trinity College Dublin are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher on Generative AI (GenAI) in Public Service.
👉 Learn more and apply here: aial.ie/hiring/postd...
#AIResearch #GenerativeAI #PublicService #AIAL #ResponsibleAI
👉 Learn more and apply here: aial.ie/hiring/postd...
#AIResearch #GenerativeAI #PublicService #AIAL #ResponsibleAI
every new AI application amounts to coming up with a smart sounding way to prey and profit from the most vulnerable and gullable
The app Text With Jesus uses artificial intelligence and chatbots to offer spiritual guidance to users who are looking to connect with a higher power: on.nbc10.com/7XM8xrf
People can text with Jesus on a controversial new app. How does it work?
Artificial intelligence app Text With Jesus lets users chat with biblical figures and it is raising debate over faith and technology.
on.nbc10.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:12 PM
every new AI application amounts to coming up with a smart sounding way to prey and profit from the most vulnerable and gullable