What is Algorithmic Transparency?

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What is Algorithmic Transparency?

An algorithm is a set of steps for making a decision of solving a problem. But some algorithms are more transparent than others. Think of a recipe; an example of a fully transparent algorithm; the cook is given access to all of the necessary ingredients and steps that will lead to the desired tasty food.

But many of the algorithms that underlie our modern information ecosystem are not transparent and not neutral. They carry social values; some exhibit biases or systematically produce results that could lead to discrimination against certain people. Many users remain totally unaware that algorithms play a key role in their access to public information.

Here at the Cyprus Center for Algorithmic Transparency, a new research center hosted at the Open University of Cyprus, our mission is to raise awareness about algorithmic biases, particularly in information access systems, and to develop interventions and tools to promote algorithmic transparency.

Facebook

This is an example of how algorithms can have embedded biases. The creator of these algorithms might believe X and Y, and end up reinforcing those beliefs in others. Here is an example of this in the news, and here’s our demo demonstrating filter bubbles. Also look at the next example.

Wikipedia

This is an example of how algorithms can have embedded biases. The creator of these algorithms might believe X and Y, and end up reinforcing those beliefs in others. Here is an example of this in the news. Algorithmic transparency is openness about the purpose, structure and underlying actions of the algorithms used to search for, process and deliver information. CyCAT collaborators are approaching the promotion of Algorithmic Transparency using multiple approaches including both technical and educational interventions.

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