Responses to Critiques on Machine Learning of Criminality Perceptions (Addendum of arXiv:1611.04135)

TL;DR

This paper responds to critiques of a previous study on inferring criminality from face images, clarifying its academic intent and addressing misrepresentations in media and public discussions.

Contribution

It provides a defense and clarification of the original research, emphasizing its academic purpose and countering misinterpretations by critics and media.

Findings

Clarifies the academic intent of the original work

Addresses misrepresentations in media and critiques

Reaffirms the importance of policing AI research for societal good

Abstract

In November 2016 we submitted to arXiv our paper "Automated Inference on Criminality Using Face Images". It generated a great deal of discussions in the Internet and some media outlets. Our work is only intended for pure academic discussions; how it has become a media consumption is a total surprise to us. Although in agreement with our critics on the need and importance of policing AI research for the general good of the society, we are deeply baffled by the ways some of them mispresented our work, in particular the motive and objective of our research.