Advancements in science and technology are supposed to help us solve problems. Too often, it seems like the hasty or improper application of innovations like machine learning and generative artificial intelligence create as many harms as benefits. In this talk, Brian draws upon his experiences at the intersection of law, science and technology policy, and government to discuss the real-world impacts of innovation, and how some simple shifts in our thinking and approach can help us to identify and address complex social problems.

Brian has served in a variety of roles at the interface of technology, law, and policy, most recently working as senior policy advisor to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on issues including science and technology policy, surveillance, data privacy and security, criminal justice, and disaster response.  His academic research includes practical applications of machine learning to complex social problems, digital ethics, and how the law adapts to innovation.

In addition to his work with the County of Santa Clara, Brian has spent time as an academic researcher, an independent privacy and security consultant, a civil liberties engineer with Palantir Technologies, a cybersecurity and privacy consultant with IBM, and an attorney with the firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Brian received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, his undergraduate degree in physics from Duke University, and in between he studied science writing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.