Using artificial intelligence to make decisions: Addressing the problem of algorithmic bias

This technical paper is a collaborative partnership between the Australian Human Rights Commission, Gradient Institute, Consumer Policy Research Centre, CHOICE and CSIRO’s Data61. We explore how the problem of algorithmic bias can arise in decision making that uses artificial intelligence (AI). This problem can produce unfair, and potentially unlawful, decisions. We demonstrate how the risk of algorithmic bias can be identified, and steps that can be taken to address or mitigate this problem. AI is increasingly used by government and businesses to make decisions that affect people’s rights, including in the provision of goods and services, as well as other important decision making such as recruitment, social security and policing. Where algorithmic bias arises in these decision-making processes, it can lead to error. Especially in high-stakes decision making, errors can cause real harm. The harm can be particularly serious if a person is unfairly disadvantaged on the basis of their […]