Slop Happens

In this second episode of Slop Happens, Bianca Prins and Claudio Luís Vera welcome Maranke Wierenga, advisor on data-driven work and member of the NEN Commission on AI & Big Data, where she also chairs the Working Group on Ethics and Fundamental Rights.Together, they explore curious cases where technology fails the people it’s meant to serve.First, they dive into the COMPAS case in Florida, where a risk-scoring system used in the justice system showed troubling bias across racial groups. The discussion looks at how “neutral” algorithms can reinforce inequalities already present in society.They then examine a case from the Netherlands, where automated parking enforcement unintentionally creates barriers for people with disabilities.What happens when efficient systems overlook real people? And how can we design technology that is fairer and more accountable?Join us for this conversation—and let us know what you think.

Claudio and Bianca welcome you to their new podcast, Slop Happens, and discuss the weirdness that happens when technology goes wrong.One evening, Claudio sees a trippy cloud with shining debris overhead. The next day, he discovers it was a SpaceX mission that exploded and rained debris down over Florida, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.SpaceX issues a tweet on X, treating the explosion as a teachable moment that offers lessons for long-term success. But as if that weren't weird enough, the debris is actually SpaceX property – even if it comes hurtling through your roof.