Algo-Rights

Algorithms play an increasingly large role in government decisions. They calculate taxes, determine benefit allocations, assess permit applications and estimate risks of fraud. This makes government processes more efficient, but also brings risks, such as discrimination and unequal treatment.

A mistake may seem small, but can have major consequences once it goes unnoticed and repeats itself across different people. In this way, a single error can grow into a pattern of malpractices, for example unequal treatment. A helpdesk for problems in public spaces already exists, like the municipality of Amsterdam's Meldingenkaart. For the digital space, however, no equivalent exists yet, which means mistakes and abuses often go unnoticed. Collecting, sharing and investigating these digital experiences helps identify broader patterns in algortihm behavior, which is incredibly important.

The European Union is also setting increasingly strict requirements for transparency around automated decision-making. Governments publish information in the algorithm register and citizens gain more rights for certain applications, such as the right to an explanation. Yet this information is often difficult to find or understand. Moreover, people are not always aware that an algorithm played a role in a decision that affects them.

A helpdesk for algorithmic problems

Waag Futurelab is therefore developing a helpdesk for algorithmic problems as part of the Algo-Rights project. This helpdesk is ultimately meant to support both professionals and citizens in exercising their rights around algorithmic decision-making.

In this project, digital inclusion workers play a key role. Social workers, digital buddies, library staff and municipal service providers support Amsterdam residents with digital questions on a daily basis and are often the first to notice where people run into problems. However, they do not always have the knowledge or tools to bring these signals to the right place. The helpdesk addresses this gap, allowing their understanding of residents' daily lives to help make these problems visible. In addition, the helpdesk offers an overview of government organisations where people can request information about algorithms, and it also explains why making such a request can be important. Waag is also investigating how this approach can become part of the working methods of the municipality of Amsterdam and the Dutch Data Protection Authority.

The project initially focuses on inclusion workers within the municipality of Amsterdam. Over time, the helpdesk will become directly accessible to everyone, including information on reports already made. In this way, it grows from a tool for professionals into a resource for all Amsterdam residents.