Can We Trust the Machines? Bias, Diversity, and the Ethics of AI

Why the people building AI matter as much as the technology—and what we can do about it.

Behind every algorithm is a team of humans—often brilliant, but not always representative of society at large. In The Big Nine, Amy Webb reveals how the lack of diversity among AI developers leads to systems that perpetuate bias and discrimination. From resume scanners that filter out unconventional candidates to facial recognition software that struggles with non-white faces, the consequences are real and growing.



Webb delves into the roots of the problem: educational pipelines that favor certain demographics, hiring algorithms that reinforce homogeneity, and cultural norms that discourage dissent. In China, the picture is different but not perfect—more women in AI, but language and cultural barriers limit international collaboration.

She calls for urgent reforms: diverse hiring, regular algorithmic audits, and public engagement in AI governance. Webb warns that if we don’t act, AI will continue to reflect and amplify the blind spots of its creators. But if we do, we can build technology that is fair, transparent, and accountable.



The ethics of AI are not just a technical issue—they are a societal challenge. Webb’s book offers a roadmap for change, reminding us that trust in machines begins with trust in the people who build them.