Published on: April 28, 2025
On 28th April 2025, the School of Science & Technology hosted a seminar titled “Machine Unlearning: Redefining Data Erasure in AI Systems” at Lecture Theatre-05. The session was led by Dr. Shiv Preet, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering. The seminar focused on the emerging and crucial concept of machine unlearning, a technique gaining prominence as concerns around data rights and ethical AI practices intensify.
Dr. Shiv Preet explained machine unlearning as the process through which a machine learning model can effectively and reliably remove the influence of specific data points, making it as if the data were never included in the training. This process is vital for complying with privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which includes the “right to be forgotten.” The seminar highlighted not only the technical mechanisms but also the ethical responsibilities tied to privacy and transparency in AI systems.
The session emphasized the importance of machine unlearning in improving model transparency, correcting errors from mislabelled or malicious data, and supporting dynamic data environments where frequent updates or removals are necessary. Dr. Shiv Preet encouraged the participants to view privacy as a fundamental ethical obligation, stressing the role of upcoming researchers and developers in fostering AI technologies that are accountable, user-centric, and trustworthy.
With 53 participants, the seminar successfully blended technical knowledge with reflections on ethical AI development. It sparked keen interest and critical thinking among the students, reinforcing the significance of privacy-preserving AI systems and the evolving landscape of data governance in the digital age.
