Advancing Forward Doesn't Equal being Against Artificial Intelligence Systems
In a world where technology continues to shape our lives, the debate surrounding the use of algorithms in addressing societal biases has gained significant attention.
Recent findings reveal that car dealership workers, despite not being legally permitted to use race to determine loan pricing, were offering minority customers higher interest rates than recommended by Ally Financial's algorithm. This unfortunate incident highlights the potential for algorithms to facilitate discrimination. Had car dealerships been prevented from marking up the algorithmically-generated interest rates, hundreds of thousands of minority borrowers would not have been exploited because of their race.
However, the approach of avoiding algorithms undermines the progress towards eradicating biases in society. Progressives should recognize that avoiding algorithms does not reduce societal biases and maintains the status quo. Instead, the focus should be on creating better algorithms, not avoiding them.
Progressive values are undermined by the belief that algorithms are inherently riskier to social justice than human decisions. On the contrary, the solution to algorithmic bias is not less algorithms, but better algorithms. The potential exists to use algorithms to eradicate biases more quickly than social justice activism alone.
One such example is the use of algorithms to clear the criminal records of tens of thousands convicted of cannabis-related offenses in California. Clear My Record, a tool used in California, analyzes court files and scanned documents to identify and proactively clear the records of eligible criminal records in minutes. Similarly, OptimumID's BridgeID software, using a smartphone app, facial recognition, and identity verification algorithms, is being piloted to supplement ankle monitors in Bell County, Texas, reducing stigma and cost. Aware, a biometrics company, has developed a similar technological solution to replace ankle monitors with virtual check-ins.
The First Step Act, recent federal legislation to reduce recidivism, has made algorithm-driven approaches to replace ankle monitors with virtual check-ins possible. This legislation, combined with technological advancements, offers a promising avenue for addressing the financial and emotional toll ankle-worn GPS monitors can take on individuals under parole, probation, or house arrest.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated that algorithms can reflect and exhibit human bias. However, she also emphasizes the potential of using algorithms to address biases as a worthy use of political capital. Progressive politicians pushing policies that support the perspective that algorithms are inherently riskier to social justice undermine progressive values. Instead, they should pursue the potential of using algorithms to address biases as a means to further their goals.
Simply avoiding algorithms does nothing to address the pervasive biases in human decision-making. Using algorithms to combat biases more effectively can be a more efficient approach than social justice activism alone. As we move forward, it is crucial to approach the use of algorithms with a critical eye, striving to create better, more equitable algorithms that serve the needs of all members of society.
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