About Malika Saada Saar
Malika Saada Saar is a renowned human rights lawyer and a leading figure in Public Interest Technology (PIT), serving as an Advisor on Responsible AI to CPIT. With a career defined by her commitment to justice and ethical innovation, Malika brings invaluable insights into the ways technology can both empower and protect vulnerable communities. Her work exemplifies how human rights principles can shape the development and implementation of AI and emerging technologies.
Currently serving as YouTube’s Global Head of Human Rights Partnerships, Malika has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between technology and human rights. As co-founder of Rights4Girls, she focused on combating gender-based violence against young women and girls in the U.S., amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized. Her tenure as Executive Director of the Rebecca Project saw her lead a landmark campaign to shut down Craigslist’s adult services section, a platform implicated in child trafficking, showcasing her ability to advocate for systemic change at the intersection of law and technology.
Malika’s previous role as Senior Counsel on Civil and Human Rights at Google further demonstrates her influence in integrating human rights considerations into corporate policies. She developed strategies to ensure the tech giant adhered to global human rights standards, including addressing issues such as modern slavery in supply chains and fostering partnerships with international organizations like UN Women. Her work at Google provided a model for embedding human rights into tech governance, a focus she continues to champion in her current position at YouTube.
As an advisor to CPIT, Malika offers her expertise to guide the organization’s Responsible AI initiatives. Her perspective on the ethical dimensions of AI development is shaped by her deep commitment to addressing issues such as bias, equity, and accountability. She emphasizes the importance of embedding human rights into AI systems to mitigate harm and ensure that technological advancements benefit all members of society. Her use of innovative tools, such as virtual reality (VR) through projects like Project Witness, further illustrates how emerging technologies can raise awareness and drive engagement with critical social issues.
Malika’s contributions to public interest technology align seamlessly with CPIT’s mission to create technology solutions that prioritize equity and justice. Her influence extends far beyond her advisory role, as her career has been a testament to how legal and ethical frameworks can drive meaningful change within the tech industry. Recognized as one of "150 Women Who Shake the World" by Newsweek, her legacy of advocacy continues to inspire CPIT’s efforts to ensure that technology serves the public good while safeguarding dignity and rights.
As an advisor, Malika Saada Saar strengthens CPIT’s focus on integrating human rights into its Responsible AI initiatives, offering strategic guidance that ensures all projects are rooted in transparency, equity, and ethical responsibility.
