Bias does not equal bias: A socio-technical typology of bias in data-based algorithmic systems

Paola Lopez

Internet Policy Review: Journal on Internet Regulation, 2021, vol. 10, issue 4, 1-29

Abstract: This paper introduces a socio-technical typology of bias in data-driven machine learning and artificial intelligence systems. The typology is linked to the conceptualisations of legal anti-discrimination regulations, so that the concept of structural inequality-and, therefore, of undesirable bias-is defined accordingly. By analysing the controversial Austrian "AMS algorithm" as a case study as well as examples in the contexts of face detection, risk assessment and health care management, this paper defines the following three types of bias: firstly, purely technical bias as a systematic deviation of the datafied version of a phenomenon from reality; secondly, socio-technical bias as a systematic deviation due to structural inequalities, which must be strictly distinguished from, thirdly, societal bias, which depicts-correctly-the structural inequalities that prevail in society. This paper argues that a clear distinction must be made between different concepts of bias in such systems in order to analytically assess these systems and, subsequently, inform political action.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Machine learning; Bias (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:iprjir:250397

DOI: 10.14763/2021.4.1598

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