Reducing Algorithmic Bias Through Accountability and Transparency
How we can reduce the real-world consequences of biased algorithms.
Despite being a mathematician’s dream word, algorithms — or sets of instructions that humans or, most commonly, computers execute — have cemented themselves as an integral part of our daily lives.
They are working behind the scenes when we search the web, read the news, discover new music or books, apply for health insurance, and search for a date. To put it simply, algorithms are a way to automate routine or information-heavy tasks.
However, some “routine” tasks have serious implications, such as determining credit scores, cultural or technical “fit” for a job, or the perceived level of criminal risk. While these algorithms are largely designed with society’s benefit in mind, algorithms are mathematical or logical models meant to reflect reality — which is often more nuanced than can be captured in a model.
For instance, some students aren’t eligible for loans because a lending model deems them too risky by virtue of their zip codes; which can result in an endless spiral of education and poverty challenges.
Algorithms can be incredibly helpful for society by improving human services, reducing errors, and identifying…
