The R&D Showcase at IIIT Hyderabad (IIIT-H) recently hosted a series of insightful discussions featuring experts who delved into the complex relationship between algorithms, ethics, and governance. The inaugural plenary drew attention to the increasing prevalence of “algorithmic decision making” in government practices and its impact on the citizenry.
During the event, one of the case studies that generated significant interest was the ‘Samagra Vedika’ scheme, implemented by the Telangana government, which employed algorithms to determine eligibility and allocate benefits for various welfare programs. This example highlighted the urgent need for a broader conversation on ensuring the responsible development and deployment of algorithm-based systems in the public sector.
Krishna Ravi Srinivas, an adjunct professor at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad and a consultant with Research and Information System in Developing Countries (RIS), shed light on an important concern. He emphasized that many algorithm-based schemes are developed without a comprehensive framework or a clear understanding of the government’s rights and responsibilities. Moreover, he highlighted that these systems often lack proper testing in the pilot phase and fail to consider potential glitches.
In this context, the translation of constitutional rights into technological solutions becomes a significant challenge. Srinivas emphasized the need to ensure that algorithms do not infringe upon constitutional rights while enabling efficient governance. He argued for the development of algorithms that are designed and implemented with transparency and equity in mind, rather than as afterthoughts.
Tanveer Hasan A K, executive director of the Centre for Internet and Society in Bengaluru, echoed the concern of biases and transparency in algorithmic decision making. He emphasized that biases should not be overlooked but rather treated as a key consideration throughout the development and implementation processes. Hasan cautioned that algorithms should not become tools for perpetuating inequalities or hindering citizens’ access to their rights.
The director of IIIT-H, Professor PJ Narayanan, also expressed concerns regarding algorithms and AI systems potentially influencing elections negatively. With the growing reliance on algorithms to shape decision-making processes, it becomes imperative to ensure that these systems are accountable, transparent, and free from manipulation.
While algorithmic decision making holds immense potential for streamlining governance and improving efficiency, it is crucial to strike a balance between the ethical considerations and the benefits they offer. By addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and actively involving citizens in the development and monitoring of these systems, governments can harness the power of algorithms responsibly to create more inclusive and equitable societies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is algorithmic decision making?
Algorithmic decision making refers to the use of algorithms, or step-by-step procedures, to make choices and decisions. It involves automating decision-making processes using mathematical or computational models.
2. Why is algorithmic decision making in governance a concern?
Algorithmic decision making in governance raises concerns about transparency, biases, and potential infringements on constitutional rights. The lack of proper testing, absence of frameworks, and failure to address glitches can lead to unintended consequences and inequalities.
3. How can biases be addressed in algorithmic decision making?
Addressing biases in algorithmic decision making requires a proactive approach during the development and implementation phases. It involves incorporating fairness considerations, conducting thorough testing, and involving diverse stakeholders to identify and mitigate any biases present in the algorithms.
Sources:
– [Centre for Internet and Society](https://cis-india.org/)
– [Research and Information System in Developing Countries (RIS)](https://ris.org.in/)
The discussions at the R&D Showcase at IIIT Hyderabad shed light on the complex relationship between algorithms, ethics, and governance in the public sector. One example that generated significant interest was the ‘Samagra Vedika’ scheme implemented by the Telangana government, which utilized algorithms to determine eligibility and allocate benefits for welfare programs. This case study highlighted the need for responsible development and deployment of algorithm-based systems in government practices.
One of the concerns highlighted by Krishna Ravi Srinivas, an adjunct professor at NALSAR University of Law and a consultant with RIS, is the lack of a comprehensive framework and understanding of government rights and responsibilities when developing algorithm-based schemes. He emphasized the importance of proper testing in the pilot phase and the need to address potential glitches. It is crucial to ensure that algorithms do not infringe upon constitutional rights while enabling efficient governance.
Biases and transparency in algorithmic decision making were also emphasized by Tanveer Hasan A K, executive director of the Centre for Internet and Society. He emphasized the need to consider biases throughout the development and implementation processes to prevent perpetuating inequalities or hindering access to rights. Transparency and accountability are essential in algorithmic decision making to avoid negative influences on elections or manipulation.
Professor PJ Narayanan, director of IIIT-H, expressed concerns about the potential negative influence of algorithms and AI systems on elections. With the increasing reliance on algorithms for decision making, ensuring accountability, transparency, and freedom from manipulation becomes crucial.
While algorithmic decision making has the potential to improve efficiency and streamline governance, it is essential to strike a balance between ethical considerations and the benefits they offer. Governments can harness the power of algorithms responsibly by addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and actively involving citizens in the development and monitoring of these systems. This will lead to more inclusive and equitable societies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is algorithmic decision making?
Algorithmic decision making refers to the use of algorithms, or step-by-step procedures, to automate decision-making processes. It involves using mathematical or computational models to make choices and decisions.
2. Why is algorithmic decision making in governance a concern?
Algorithmic decision making in governance raises concerns about transparency, biases, and potential infringement on constitutional rights. The lack of proper testing, absence of frameworks, and failure to address glitches can lead to unintended consequences and inequalities.
3. How can biases be addressed in algorithmic decision making?
Addressing biases in algorithmic decision making requires a proactive approach during the development and implementation phases. It involves incorporating fairness considerations, conducting thorough testing, and involving diverse stakeholders to identify and mitigate any biases present in the algorithms.
Sources:
– Centre for Internet and Society
– Research and Information System in Developing Countries (RIS)
The source of the article is from the blog windowsvistamagazine.es