Nina da Hora
Nina da Hora is an Afro-Brazilian activist and computer scientist known for her research on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and algorithmic racism. Hora is also known for her efforts to enhance the digital rights in Brazil, advocate for decentralization in the scientific field, the amplification of black and other indigenous groups in technology, and the efforts to increase women's participation in technological development. Hora is a co-worker at the Center for Technology and Society at Fundação Getúlio Vargas or (FGV) and an active member of TikTok’s Security Council in Brazil. She is also the founder of Instituto da Hora, a non-profit organization that promotes digital sovereignty and internet governance. She is most commonly known as an "Anti-Racist Hacker".
Early life & education
Nina da Hora was born on 1995, in Duque de Caxias, Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro.During her childhood growing up, Hora had a passion for literature books in due part because of her family who were teachers in the field and her mother who was a literature teacher. In her pass time, Nina would continue to read books that her mother had given her and learn how to debate. Hora had a natural interest into computer science and was always fascinated by the wonders of technology.
In the early 2010s, Hora attended Sistema de Ensino Loide Martha in LM, Brazil. In 2015, Hora migrated to PUC-Rio and in 2023, Hora earned her bachelors' degree in Computer Science at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Career
Hora's research focuses on the ethics of algorithms and artificial intelligence.On social media, Hora's nickname is the "Anti-Racist Hacker" and uses her knowledge in information technology and cybersecurity to research and change societal norms and address racial issues in both the digital and academic space to break down exclusionary systems and obstacles for minority groups in a primarily large space dominated by social standards and expectations.
Hora has been involved in activism and is a member of TikTok Brazil Security Council Advisory Board. She is also a member of "Tire Meu Rosto Da Sua Mira", an anti-racist movement against the deployment of facial recognition software for public safety. She advises on safety and ethics in digital platforms. She also writes, lectures, and participates in public debates to make complex issues in AI accessible. She was also a member of the Election Transparency Commission of the Superior Electoral Court in 2022