GOAL: Governance of and by algorithm
- Duration: 01.09.2019 - 31.12.2021
Funding Organization: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
Prof. Dr. Katharina A. Zweig
University of Kaiserslautern-Landau
The governance of and by algorithms was the subject of research in the joint project GOAL. On the one hand, the project focus was on the needs for governance instruments, such as value-oriented technology design, self-regulation and technical standards, on what possibilities these offer and where there are gaps that still need to be closed. On the other hand, the question arose of the extent to which algorithms themselves can exercise governance functions in order to reduce risks or even avoid them altogether. In this regard, the need for action was identified and addressed. While the joint project had an overarching theme and goal, the individual partner institutions focused on different research questions. The questions were aligned with the respective disciplines, i.e. law, economics, (socio-)informatics, technology assessment, ethics and political science.
The project team of the Algorithm Accountability Lab (AAL) research group focused on the necessary foundations and methodologies for governance of and by algorithms. The main question was which challenges have to be overcome in order to measure discrimination through algorithmic decision-making systems and how current solution approaches can be classified. Furthermore, it was to be answered under which circumstances which degree of regulation is necessary. In addition, questions arose as to whether and how algorithmic decision-making systems can comply with social responsibilities: Who bears responsibility for the implications of AI-based or general algorithm-based decisions in complex actor structures? What governance options are available so that responsibility can be adequately attributed? How can and should the relationship between ethics, politics and law be understood for the governance of algorithms and AI?
https://goal-projekt.de/en/
AI Focus Areas of the Research Project
Basic Research
- Technology Analysis: Social and Legal Framework, Ethical Aspects, Sociological Aspects, Social Justice Aspects, Legal Aspects: Regulation, Transparency, Liability, Copyright