Litigating Algorithms 2019 U.S. Report: New Challenges to Government Use of Algorithmic Decision Systems

Algorithmic decision systems (ADS) are often sold as offering a number of benefits, from mitigating human bias and error, to cutting costs and increasing efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. Yet proof of these advantages is rarely offered, even as evidence of harm increases. Within health care, criminal justice, education, employment, and other areas, the implementation of these technologies has resulted in numerous problems with profound effects on millions of peoples’ lives. Litigation has become a valuable tool for understanding the concrete and real impacts of flawed ADS holding government and ADS vendors accountable when these systems harm us. Following up on our 2018 report, Litigating Algorithms 2019 U.S. Report: New Challenges to Government Use of Algorithmic Decision Systems examines recent U.S. lawsuits brought against government use of ADS, and how fighting these systems in the court has helped mitigate some of the harm caused by these systems.

Cite as: Rashida Richardson, Jason M. Schultz, & Vincent M. Southerland, Litigating Algorithms 2019 US Report: New Challenges to Government Use of Algorithmic Decision Systems (AI Now Institute, September 2019).