The document discusses the ethics of algorithms and why people care about them. It notes that algorithms can lead to error, failure, and discrimination. They can also be used for manipulation and "big-nudge". While algorithms are presented as objective, the document states there is no such thing as an objective algorithm. It further discusses how algorithms are used for decision-making about people without their input ("for us, about us, or with us") and can be opaque, obscure and complex. The growth of technologies like the Internet of Things means all aspects of life are trackable and optimizable by algorithms, representing opportunities for business but also requiring consideration of their impacts and discoverability.

1. The Ethics of Algorithms
(For Those Who Actually Work With Algorithms)
DATA NATIVES Nov 19, 2015

2. @fre8de8rike
Frederike Kaltheuner

3. Why Algorithms ? Why now?

4. error and failure

5. discrimination

6. manipulation & big-nudge

8. Why people care about algorithms

9. A new form of decision-making
“for us, about us, or with us”

10. opaque / obscure / complex

11. What does this mean for you?

13. There is no such thing as an objective algorithm

14. “The growth of the Internet of
Things ensures that every aspect
of our lives, on personal and
industrial scales, is trackable and
optimizable. This technological
evolution represents a huge
opportunity for business.”

15. (by Christian Sandvig)
discoverable by the
user:
YES
discoverable by the
user:
NO
predictable by the
designer:
YES
MEDIA & SCIENCE AUDITS
predictable by the
designer:
NO
MEDIA, AUDITS ????

16. (by Christian Sandvig)
discoverable by the
user:
YES
discoverable by the
user:
NO
predictable by the
designer:
YES
MEDIA & SCIENCE AUDITS
predictable by the
designer:
NO
MEDIA, AUDITS ????

17. Thank you!

18. @fre8de8rike @data_active www.data-activism.net