In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of women researchers and leaders is becoming increasingly critical. Dr. Rebecca Portnoff stands at the forefront of this change as the Vice President of Data Science at Thorn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging technology for the protection of children from sexual abuse. Dr. Portnoff’s journey from a volunteer research scientist to a leader in a pioneering team focusing on machine learning applications showcases not only her commitment to her cause but also the growing recognition of the importance of female voices in technology and AI.
Dr. Portnoff’s story resonates deeply as it exposes the intersection between technology innovation and social responsibility. With a foundational education from Princeton University and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, her academic credentials laid the groundwork for her impactful work at Thorn. Since joining the organization in 2016, she has cultivated her expertise and leadership, driving projects that aim to dismantle the mechanisms facilitating child exploitation online.
The catalyst for Dr. Portnoff’s passion for this vital issue traces back to her senior year at Princeton, when a book recommendation from her sister changed the course of her future. “Half the Sky” by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn shed light on child sexual abuse—a topic that, while often brushed aside, demands urgent attention and action. This awakening ignited her resolve to apply her technical skills toward addressing these grave societal challenges.
Her doctoral dissertation specifically focused on employing machine learning and AI to confront child sexual abuse, laying the groundwork for the innovative solutions she and her team would develop at Thorn. Their work encompasses identifying victims, preventing re-victimization, and curbing the viral proliferation of abusive material online, underscoring the potential of technology as a force for good.
In a notable example of proactive engagement with the tech community, Dr. Portnoff led the “Safety by Design” initiative in collaboration with All Tech Is Human. This initiative focused on the urgent need for generative AI to have robust safety measures in place to combat its misuse in generating exploitative content. In her reflections on this initiative, she highlighted the collaborative effort required to define principles to inhibit harmful applications of AI while ensuring that models, services, and applications are designed with strict safeguards to prevent abuse.
This scenario captures the broader challenges associated with AI’s rise in society: while technology offers immense possibilities, it also poses significant ethical dilemmas, especially when the technology can be utilized for nefarious purposes. As Dr. Portnoff articulates, the evolution of AI—including its capacity to produce nonconsensual imagery—will only complicate the safeguards necessary for protection against child exploitation.
Despite the extraordinary advancements in technology, the legislative framework designed to combat AI-related sexual abuse remains inadequate. Dr. Portnoff emphasizes that there is no comprehensive federal legislation addressing the creation of generative AI images without consent. Some states have taken action, but a cohesive national policy is urgently needed. “One in ten minors report they knew of cases where their peers had generated nude imagery of other kids,” she shared, underscoring the alarming prevalence of the issue.
Dr. Portnoff argues for tech companies to adopt preventative measures inspired by Thorn’s principles, thereby increasing accountability and transparency in how their products and services are designed. This includes collaborating with established organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create standards that can be audited and effectively enforced.
In a field that remains heavily male-dominated, Dr. Portnoff provides a beacon of insight for women aspiring to make a mark in technology and AI. She recalls experiences where her expertise was overlooked, compelling her to assert her position confidently. Her guiding principles for navigating such environments include preparedness, confidence, and the assumption of good intentions from others. “If you are feeling the pushback or a lack of acknowledgment, remember your worth and stay committed to your goals,” she advocates.
As the discourse around AI evolves, so too does the recognition that diverse perspectives are essential. Dr. Portnoff passionately believes that responsible AI development requires engagement beyond the confines of technical circles, advocating for broader inclusivity in conversations about AI ethics and safety.
With considerable financial investments flowing into AI startups, Dr. Portnoff urges investors to prioritize ethics in their due diligence processes. By assessing a company’s commitment to building responsible technology as part of the investment criteria, stakeholders can help foster environments that both mitigate harm and promote positive growth in the tech landscape.
The conversation on AI’s capabilities and responsibilities is ongoing, and Dr. Portnoff’s work at Thorn exemplifies that change is possible through dedicated action and collaboration. “There is much to be done” she asserts, but with voices like hers being amplified, the possibility for a safer, more inclusive future in AI becomes increasingly attainable.