Dr. Kelly Gates

Biography

Professor Gates’ research focuses on a critical analysis of digital media technologies, emphasizing the political and social implications of computerization, particularly automation and surveillance in the United States from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Her 2011 book, 'Biometric Future: Facial Recognition Technology and Culture of Surveillance,' explores efforts since the 1960s to teach computers to recognize human faces, examining the social construction of automated facial recognition systems. Gates argues that the common belief in the cultural neutrality of computer vision programs must be challenged, as visual media technologies significantly influence our understanding of humanity. Her forthcoming book, 'Targeted: Corporations, Police, and the Surveillance Economy,' highlights the urgent need for scholars to address the implications of datafication in policing, particularly in light of the rising prevalence of video surveillance and its integration into modern policing strategies. At UCSD, Professor Gates teaches courses on the history of communication research, the Internet society, and the cultural history of photography and visual culture.

Research Interests

Experience