Towards more ‘fair’ AI: algorithmic intent in a disparate society — part 9

Can ‘fair’ algorithms help address unfair policies offline? Part 9 of 9 posts because I need to move on and so do you. Thanks and apologies.

Start from the beginning here (if you are truly motivated.)

Algorithms can’t save us from ourselves.

Algorithms are amazing tools that, properly deployed, can help us solve some pretty big problems.

Regulated algorithms are a good idea because, like any tool, algorithms can be knowingly or unknowingly misused to exploit others. Regulations offer a way to continuously define and challenge this exploitation.

‘Fair’ algorithms certainly offer a reasonable goal and regulations around what ‘fair’ algorithms encompass are, to my mind, a good idea. Such regulations supply a framework that allows us to discuss what is ‘fair’ in different contexts and from different perspectives and to make calculated observations and adjustments.

However, it’s good to remember that algorithms are rules, not guidelines.

When we as humans immediately default to or outright reject algorithms, as we do each time we click on or block a piece of content online, we risk forgetting our strengths and frailties as non-numeric…