This means they ought to evaluate only relevant characteristics of the input data, avoiding distinctions based on attributes that are generally inappropriate in social contexts, such as an individual's ethnicity in legal judgments.
Generally, algorithms function as "black boxes," meaning that the specific processes an input undergoes during execution are often not transparent, with users typically only seeing the resulting output.
A notable case illustrating this issue is a recent ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court concerning "risk assessment" algorithms used in criminal justice.
This ruling is regarded as a noteworthy development in how society should manage software that makes consequential decisions, highlighting the importance of reliability, particularly in complex settings like the legal system.
[citation needed] A notable instance of potential algorithmic bias is highlighted in an article by The Washington Post[6] regarding the ride-hailing service Uber.
In a separate analysis published in the "Direito Digit@l" column on the Migalhas website, authors Coriolano Almeida Camargo and Marcelo Crespo examine the use of algorithms in decision-making contexts traditionally handled by humans.
Autonomous systems are designed to collect data and evaluate their surroundings in real time, allowing them to make decisions that simulate the actions of a human driver.
They particularly emphasize the challenges related to decision-making during critical moments, highlighting the complexities and ethical considerations involved in programming such systems to ensure safety and fairness.
Hemant Taneja, writing for TechCrunch, emphasizes that major technology companies, such as Google, Amazon, and Uber, must actively incorporate algorithmic accountability into their operations.
Another avenue discussed is the possibility of self-regulation by the companies that create these algorithms, allowing them to take proactive steps in ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations.
The world’s legal logic and regulations can be coded into software and smart sensors can offer real-time monitoring of everything from air and water quality, traffic flows and queues at the DMV.