Algorithmic Transparency at a Crossroads

Online Lecture Series Wintersemester 2022/2023

THE LECTURE HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

Lecture by
Hannah Bloch-Wehba, Texas A&M University School of Law

Abstract:
This talk examines current proposals to promote or require algorithmic transparency. As nations around the world confront disinformation, misinformation, and extremism online, there is a growing consensus that platforms’ algorithms and amplification mechanisms are worsening these dynamics. New efforts to render algorithms “transparent” to policymakers, journalists, and the public represent an attempt to shed light on the obscure inner workings of social media firms. Algorithmic transparency and disclosure requirements are widely viewed as more appealing than substantive regulation of platforms, which is perceived to be more intrusive. At the same time, transparency and disclosure requirements are also a core feature of a wave of increasingly illiberal legislation meant to kneecap social media platforms and compel them to alter their content moderation techniques. This project takes a comparative approach to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of contemporary algorithmic transparency, auditing, and disclosure requirements. The article critically evaluates whether existing initiatives and proposals are sufficiently dynamic, independent, and rigorous to achieve their stated goals. At the same time, broader algorithmic transparency reforms are underway as states seek to ensure that automated decision systems used in public governance can satisfy due process, equal protection, and open government obligations.

Convenors:

Prof. Dr. Christoph Burchard (Professor of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at Goethe University and Principal Investigator of the Research Centre “Normative Orders”, Research Initiative “ConTrust”)

Prof. Dr. Indra Spiecker gen. Döhmann (Professor of Public Law, Environmental Law, Information Law and Administrative Sciences and Principal Investigator of the , Research Initiative “ConTrust”)

The complete program of the lecture series can be found here…

Online via Zoom. Registration at office@normativeorders.net is required. Login details will be sent after registration.