The Ethics of Algorithms:

Key Problems and Solutions

Joshua Vereszki and Indya Lovell
Contents
01. Introduction 03. Research on Ethical issues
▪ Machine learning algorithms represent a ▪ Algorithms raise ethical concerns such as the
series of procedures employed by artificial dissemination of biased information. For example,
intelligence to execute tasks, detect data they may disproportionately present advertising
patterns, predict outcomes based on input for higher-paying STEM jobs to men rather than
data, and anticipate potential issues in women. Similarly, ethical issues arise in how
advance. As machine learning algorithms algorithms handle health data, where white
evolve and find broader applications, patients may receive more care compared to
researchers try to address ethical dilemmas black patients with similar health conditions in the
and devise solutions concerning their societal United States.
utilization.
02. Research on Solutions to 04. Conclusions
Ethical Issues
▪ The researchers created a conceptual ▪ Suggested approaches to improve algorithms
diagram to recognize and classify the ethical involved deliberately omitting certain specific data
issues inherent in algorithmic decision- factors from influencing the algorithmic decision-
making. This diagram outlined six primary making process. Another proposed solution aimed at
domains of ethical concern: inconclusive mitigating bias in training data, ensuring that one
evidence, instructive evidence, misguided form of problematic algorithmic bias could be offset
evidence, unfair outcomes, transformative by an alternative form of bias.
effects, and traceability.
Introduction 01.
 • Machine learning algorithms, are an important aspect of

What Are artificial intelligence where it possesses the capacity to

streamline various tasks, including recognizing data
patterns and conducting predictive analyses. Their growing

Algorithms? utilization significantly influences societal dynamics, hence

raising ethical concerns.

• This presentation discusses the complex ethical dilemmas

Mission that are associated with the widespread implementation of

algorithms across diverse sectors like finance, justice, and
healthcare. Machine learning algorithms have a great impact
in areas like recruitment processes and medical diagnoses,
but concerns persist regarding biases and discriminatory
outcomes. Examples of algorithmic misconduct, such as
unequal access to healthcare services due to racial
disparities, underscore the critical need to address ethical
issues.
The Ethics of Algorithms

• Machine learning algorithms facilitate tasks such as data

pattern recognition and predictive analysis.
• Algorithms are increasingly used in critical scenarios like
hiring, compensation, bail decisions, and healthcare.
• Reports of ethical misbehavior, such as disparities in
healthcare based on race and gender discrimination,
highlight the need for ethical considerations.
• Instances include biased medical interventions and
discriminatory recommender systems.
• Research aims to address ethical deficiencies and shape
the future of algorithmic integration responsibly
The Ethics of Algorithms
Continued
• On a daily basis, people interact with
recommender systems, or known as
algorithmic systems, that give users
suggestions on what a user might like,
including music, movies, or other
products. Other things like schools,
hospitals,, and institutions also rely on
algorithms to make important decisions.
• Algorithms are also used social processes,
business transactions, and how people
perceive others and the environment.
They are capable of improving individual
and social welfare but they come with the
ethical issues of showing users biased
information such as advertising
opportunities for higher-paying jobs in
STEM to men more than women.
Research on
Ethical
Issues
02.
Exploring Ethical Dimensions of Algorithms
• Researchers analyze algorithms' role in processing
data and driving actions with significant ethical
outcomes.
• Epistemic and normative factors highlight issues
such as data relevance, fairness, and lack of
transparency.
• Importance of relevant and precise data in
algorithmic decision-making.
• Ethical impacts of algorithmic actions and decisions,
including unfair outcomes and unintended
consequences.
• Ethical issues are intertwined with data,
necessitating a holistic approach to algorithmic
ethics.
Bias in Algorithms
• When developers create algorithms, they are more
focused on soley having the algorithms perform the
task that they are designed for, which is where the
bias in the algorithms stem from. This is because the
algorithms are abstract and define analytical
processes and do not consider social constructs that
exist in the real world (Katell et al. 2020).
• It was thought this method would allow for
algorithms to be neutral but instead it may worsen
existing social constructs.
 Methodology
● The methodological approach from the
researchers involved analyzing algorithms
used to process data into evidence for
specific outcomes, as well as the subsequent
actions driven by this evidence, which can
have great ethical outcomes. An important
part was the consideration of semi-
autonomous algorithms, such as those
utilized in machine learning, which possess a
degree of independent decision-making
capability.
● Using this approach, the researchers
constructed a conceptual map to find and
categorize the ethical concerns inherent in
algorithmic decision-making. This map
outlined six key areas of ethical concern:
inconclusive evidence, instructable evidence,
misguided evidence, unfair outcomes,
transformative effects, and traceability
(Mittelstadt et al. 2016).
Research on
Solutions to
Ethical 03.
Issues
Addressing Ethical Concerns in Algorithm
Development
• Algorithms may perpetuate biases due to
abstraction from real-world social dynamics.
• Socio-technical approach aims to consider
broader societal implications of algorithmic
decision-making.
• Exclusion of certain data variables, such as race
or gender, to limit unfair discrimination.
• Counterbalancing one type of bias with another to
mitigate algorithmic biases.
• Collaboration is crucial for developing ethical
algorithms and minimizing harm while promoting
fairness.
Possible Solutions to Ethical Concerns in
Algorithms
• Researchers argue that algorithms require a
sociotechnical frame to improve and address the
fairness of algorithms.
• One solution that can be helpful in addressing this
issue was to intentionally remove certain specific
data variables from informing the algorithmic
decision making process. An example of this is
race or gender, which is often limited under anti-
discrimination laws to limit unfair discrimination
(Shah 2018).
Conclusions 04.
Towards Ethical Algorithmic Development

• Algorithms may inadvertently perpetuate biases and

inequalities, necessitating proactive ethical
considerations.
• Real-world social complexities are often overlooked in
algorithm development, leading to unintended
consequences.
• A socio-technical framework considers broader societal
implications, moving beyond technical aspects.
• Addressing biases is crucial for ensuring fairness and
transparency in algorithmic decision-making.
• Ethical algorithm development requires collaboration
among researchers, developers, and ethicists to ensure
responsible integration into society.
Conclusion about Algorithm Ethics

• Examining algorithms as both mathematical constructs and

operational constructs allows researchers to identify important
areas of ethical concern, ranging from epistemic factors like
inconclusive evidence to normative issues including unfair
outcomes and lack of transparency. The results show the need
for algorithm developers to shift from a technical perspective
to a socio-technical framework that considers the broader
societal implications of algorithmic decision-making. This
requires acknowledging and addressing biases inherent in
algorithmic processes. Overall, ethical algorithmic
development requires collaboration from researchers,
developers, and ethicists to ensure that algorithms contribute
positively to individuals and society while minimizing harm and
promoting fairness.
 References
● Derrow, P. (2022, January 3). The ethics of algorithms. Rutgers University.
https://www.rutgers.edu/magazine/winter-2022/ethics-algorithms
● Katell M, Young M, Dailey D, Herman B, Guetler V, Tam A, Binz C, Raz D, Krafft
PM (2020) Toward Situated interventions for algorithmic equity: lessons from
the field. In: Proceedings of the 2020 Conference on Fairness, Accountability,
and Transparency, 45–55. Barcelona Spain: ACM.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3351095.3372874
● Mittelstadt, Brent & Allo, Patrick & Taddeo, Mariarosaria & Wachter, Sandra &
Floridi, Luciano. (2016). The Ethics of Algorithms: Mapping the Debate. Big
Data & Society. In press. 10.1177/2053951716679679.
● Shah H (2018) Algorithmic accountability. Philos Trans R Soc A: Math Phys Eng
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problems and solutions. AI & Soc 37, 215–230 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-021-01154-8
Thank
You !