Dr. Joy Buolamwini Concludes Global ‘Coded Bias’ World Tour as Oxford Accelerator Fellow
March 19, 2026 – A year-long global tour marking the fifth anniversary of the critically acclaimed documentary Coded Bias has concluded, spanning six continents and engaging audiences in critical dialogue on the societal implications of artificial intelligence. The tour was undertaken by Dr Joy Buolamwini, Oxford Fellow and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL), as part of her work as an Inaugural Fellow of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme at the Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford.
Supported by the Accelerator Fellowship Programme, in collaboration with AJL and host institutions worldwide, the tour brought together researchers, policymakers, artists and technologists to examine the expanding development and impact of AI systems.
Directed by Shalini Kantayya, Coded Bias premiered at Sundance in 2020, following Dr Buolamwini’s research at the MIT Media Lab and the work of AJL in revealing documented failures of facial recognition and other automated decision-making systems.
Beginning in Paris, France, at the AI Africa Village and concluding in Boston, Massachusetts, the tour featured stops in seven major global cities, including an at-capacity screening at the University of Oxford’s Rhodes House. Additional key stops included a screening in Nairobi in partnership with the nonprofit Ushahidi. Footage and promotional efforts were led by Meagan Adele Lopez of Lady Who Productions, capturing critical moments and launching the Local Voices video series to highlight the impact of the world tour.
On the tour, Dr. Buolamwini stated: “It’s important that we have many more voices than just a few tech companies, or few governments, or few armies deciding what the future of AI looks like. That’s part of why I was so excited for the opportunities we had to go around the world and hear from local leaders and inspiring individuals.”
Dr. Caroline Emmer de Albuquerque Green, Director of Research and Lead of the Accelerator Fellowship Programme at the Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford, said: “Dr. Buolamwini’s global Coded Bias tour has been a powerful catalyst for advancing critical conversations on AI and ethics worldwide. Through her work, she has brought together communities to reflect on the societal impacts of these technologies and the futures we are shaping. Her efforts strongly resonate with our mission to foster global collaboration and ensure AI benefits all of humanity. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Buolamwini’s leadership and extraordinary contribution to this vital work.”
The virtual finale was hosted by Dr. Buolamwini alongside AJL Senior Education Advisor Dr. Jaleesa Trapp and AJL AI and Work Advisor Dr. Alexis Hope on February 27, 2026. During the event, AJL honored Megan L. Garcia, Esq., with the inaugural Global AI Justice Award for her inspiring advocacy to prevent the dire end of life harms of chatbots that simulate human interaction following the death of her son Sewell. As part of the recognition, Garcia was awarded a $5,000 honorarium. During her acceptance, Garcia stated, “It warms my heart to know that there are good people that are fighting along with me in this fight but also who recognize and understand what my mission is and my commitment.”
Coded Bias is now available to buy or rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime Video, and Google Play. Viewers interested in learning more can visit: codedbiasworldtour.org, developed by AJL's long-standing creative strategic partner, Casa Blue. "We wanted the site to transport visitors across the globe, contextualizing how each local community is engaging with AI," said Casa Blue founder Maya Escobar. "This immersive archive expands these critical conversations well beyond the tour itself." The site features original music, "No Mask," by composer and musician Jonathan Singletary.
Notes to Editors:
About The Algorithmic Justice League: AJL’s mission is to raise public awareness about the impacts of AI, equip advocates with resources to bolster campaigns, build the voice and choice of the most impacted communities, and galvanize researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners to prevent AI harms.
About the Accelerator Fellowship Programme, Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford: The Accelerator Fellowship Programme hosted by the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, is a pioneering initiative addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies. As AI continues to reshape societies worldwide, the programme’s mission is to build a leading AI ethics hub, one that brings together people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, in order to seek innovative solutions to the ethical challenges of AI.
