Criminalised or Exploited? Neurodiversity and the Algorithm
Some people process the world differently and the line between victim and suspect is thinner than you think.
When vulnerable people are pushed towards harmful content by algorithms, should they be criminalised for it?
Online algorithms are increasingly recognised as a driving force behind exploitation, pushing vulnerable people towards harmful content through personalised recommendations. But when those people end up on the wrong side of the law as a result, are they being treated as suspects when they should be seen as victims?
In this webinar, we speak with Dr Alice Siberry, Specialist Criminal Justice Neurodiversity Consultant at Creased Puddle, about her research exploring the intersection between neurodiversity, online exploitation and the criminal justice system. Her work examines how a lack of understanding among practitioners can lead to differences in how people process the world being mistaken for criminal intent, and how surface-level assumptions risk criminalising vulnerable people rather than safeguarding them.
This session is for anyone working in policing, education, social care, healthcare, or policy who wants to better understand how online harms intersect with neurodiversity and the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to safeguarding young people.
What you'll take away from this session:
A deeper understanding of how online algorithms can exploit people who process the world differently
Insight into how surface-level assumptions about neurodiversity can lead to criminalisation rather than safeguarding
Awareness of the gaps in current training and multi-agency support for vulnerable people
Practical ways to recognise when someone may be a victim of online exploitation rather than a suspect
An understanding of what a more inclusive, needs-led approach looks like when supporting young people at risk
This event is proudly hosted by the Criminal Justice Neurodiversity Academy.
Criminal Justice Neurodiversity Academy is a trading name of Carl Mumford Consulting.