Vidushi Marda
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About Me
About Me

I'm an Indian lawyer and researcher who investigates the societal impact of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. 

My work engages with technical, policy, academic and advocacy communities. I've produced pioneering research on machine learning particularly in non-Western jurisdictions including the first ethnographic analysis of predictive policing in India and the first analysis of China’s emotion recognition market and its implications on human rights.

I engage directly with policy developments relating to artificial intelligence globally. Most recently, I've been actively involved in advocacy efforts at the EU level vis-a-vis the EU AI Act, and I'm a regular contributor to United Nations resolutions on privacy, freedom of expression and digital technologies. My work has been presented at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where I've held training sessions for diplomats ahead of resolution negotiations. I actively engage with technical communities at standardisation bodies like the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and research venues like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). 

My work has been cited by the Supreme Court of India in a historic ruling on the Right to Privacy, the United Kingdom House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, among others.

I'm currently co-building REAL ML (Research, Engagement, Advocacy & Lived Experience in Machine Learning) - a non-profit organization that aims to empower and connect a global interdisciplinary community to translate algorithmic accountability research into impactful interventions that benefit the public interest. I'm also consulting on AI strategy and research across industry, academia, civil society and philanthropy.

Prior to co-leading REAL ML, I led research and engagement on AI and human rights at ARTICLE 19, a global human rights organisation. 

I’m based in Bangalore, India. 



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