# Congress-Callout CSR Iniatitives IBM Emb(race) Calls on Congress to Ensure Racial Equality By Grace Mahas | Published 2020-06-10 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ibm-embrace References: [toprankblog](https://www.toprankblog.com/2020/06/b2b-brands-take-a-stand/?gggg) & [papersowl](https://papersowl.com/discover/ibm-ceos-letter-to-congress-on-racial-justice-reform) In light of the recent news and the Black Lives Matter protests, software company [IBM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurodiversity-at-ibm) has launched a new initiative to dubbed [IBM Emb(race)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/community-to-the-people) to support and empower the black community. Previously, the brand was developing [facial recognition and analysis software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bias-breaker), but has since stopped this production as "mass surveillance [and] racial profiling [is a] violation of basic human rights or freedoms." In addition, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna sent a letter to Congress demanding police reform, responsible technology policies, and expanded opportunities for the black community. Krishna is also calling for a national dialogue on how technology should be used by law enforcement, demanding more transparency and accountability for the police force. Image Credit: IBM ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Racial Equality Initiatives:** IBM's Emb(race) initiative highlights the trend of companies taking proactive steps to support and empower the black community in light of recent events. - **Ending Facial Recognition Technology:** The decision by IBM to halt the production of facial recognition software signifies a growing trend of companies reevaluating the ethical implications of this technology. - **Demand for Police Reform:** IBM CEO Arvind Krishna's letter to Congress reflects a trend of businesses calling for police reform and increased accountability in the use of technology by law enforcement. ### Where This Applies - **Software Development:** The development of alternative technologies or solutions that promote racial equality presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the software development industry. - **Technology Policy and Governance:** As companies reassess the ethical implications of facial recognition technology, there are opportunities for disruptive innovations in technology policy and governance to address issues such as surveillance and racial profiling. - **Law Enforcement Technology:** The demand for more transparency and accountability in law enforcement presents disruptive innovation opportunities for companies developing technologies that can enhance police oversight and accountability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cultural AI Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empwrd.md) - [Neurodiversity-Focused DEI Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurodiversity-at-ibm.md) - [Social Justice Networking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reyets-app.md) - [Ethical Tech Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/institute-for-diversity-certification.md) - [Tech Rebellion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-tech-rebellion.md) - [Equality-Focused Algorithm Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fairplay.md) - [Corporate Inclusion Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corporate-diversity-strategies.md) - [Diversity-Focused AI Image Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-image-generator.md) - [Inclusive Gaming Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-amplify.md)