The phrase “I second the motion” may no longer exist in the future thanks to automated decision-making systems (ADS). ADS was originally made to replace or help humans make decisions so as to cut costs and increase efficiency. But research shows that ADS can be discriminatory or infringe on people’s rights, such as families going bankrupt for being falsely accused of benefit fraud. To help fill the gaps, accountability and transparency is going to be key, such as letting people know that an ADS used their data and challenge wrong assessments. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
