UK.gov's use of black box algorithms to decide stuff needs watching

PS: Don't forget to try to cash in on public data – MPs

By Rebecca Hill 23 May 2018 at 12:40

Increased use of algorithms in decision-making risks disproportionately affecting certain groups, MPs have said, urging the government to boost transparency and tackle bias - but not forget the value of public data.

In a report on algorithmic decision-making, published today, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee said the tech has the potential to improve public services and drive wider innovation in a range of sectors, from transport to healthcare.

It said the data held by public authorities could be a potentially lucrative asset, urging the government to ensure it negotiates good deals for its use by private companies.

However, the MPs also sounded a strong note of caution - emphasising that algorithms should not be seen as a magic formula; rather they have the potential to be biased and need to operate in a strong regulatory and ethical framework.

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Continua qui: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/05/23/ukgov_told_to_treat_algorithms_with_care_seek_out_ways_to_tackle_bias/