Intelligence Briefing
Author of "Atlas of AI" (Yale University Press, 2021), which examines the material costs and power structures behind artificial intelligence. Co-created "Calculating Empires" with Vladan Joler, which won the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale 2025. Leads the Knowing Machines Project investigating how AI training datasets are constructed.
PhD, Media Studies — University of Sydney
Operational History
Leading the Knowing Machines Project
Investigating how AI training datasets are constructed.
researchSilver Lion at Venice Biennale
Co-created 'Calculating Empires' with Vladan Joler, which won the Silver Lion.
awardAGI Position Assessment
Unknown
Focuses on the political economy and material costs of AI rather than existential risk. Argues AI systems encode existing power structures and extractive practices. Advocates for examining who benefits and who is harmed by AI deployment, including environmental costs of compute infrastructure.
Focuses on the political economy and material costs of AI rather than existential risk. Argues AI systems encode existing power structures and extractive practices. Advocates for examining who benefits and who is harmed by AI deployment, including environmental costs of compute infrastructure.
Intercepted Communications
“AI systems are not neutral; they encode existing power structures.”
“We must examine who benefits and who is harmed by AI deployment.”
“The environmental costs of compute infrastructure are often overlooked.”
“Understanding the political economy of AI is crucial for responsible development.”
“We need to rethink the narratives around AI and its impact on society.”
Research Output
Calculating Empires
2025Venice Biennale
Art installation exploring the implications of AI.
Atlas of AI
2021Yale University Press
Examines the material costs and power structures behind AI.
Known Associates
Vladan Joler
collaboratorCo-created 'Calculating Empires'.
View Dossier →AI Now Institute
co-founderCo-founded and directed the institute focused on AI policy.
View Dossier →UNSW
colleagueWorked as an Associate Professor.
View Dossier →MIT Media Lab
colleagueServed as a Visiting Professor.
View Dossier →Organizational Affiliations
Current
USC Annenberg
Research Professor
2021 - Present
Microsoft Research
Senior Principal Researcher
2021 - Present
Former
AI Now Institute
Director
2017 - 2021
Source Material
Dossier last updated: 2026-03-04