Developing Transparency Requirements for the Operation of Criminal Justice Algorithms in New Zealand
Blackmore, Briony

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Blackmore, B. (2019). Developing Transparency Requirements for the Operation of Criminal Justice Algorithms in New Zealand (Thesis, Master of Arts). University of Otago. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/9540
Permanent link to OUR Archive version:
http://hdl.handle.net/10523/9540
Abstract:
As predictive risk algorithms become more commonplace so have concerns about their use. The perceived bias, inaccuracy, and opacity of predictive risk algorithms has given rise to concerns about fairness when used in criminal justice contexts, especially in predicting an offender’s risk of re-offense. Opacity in these algorithms has negative consequences for citizens’ trust in their government, ability to give informed consent and ability to utilise certain rights. Edwards and Veale (2017) have argued that making predictive risk algorithms transparent would go some way toward mitigating these concerns. However, transparency is not a panacea: in fact, it introduces the possibility of offenders “gaming the system”, thereby decreasing the potential accuracy and effectiveness—and indeed, the fairness—of the system. Complete transparency, then, does not guarantee fairness either. With this tension in mind, I explore the justifications for transparency and opacity in predictive risk algorithms. I argue that while neither complete transparency nor complete opacity is desirable, there are certain parts of predictive risk algorithms that are best kept opaque, while others should be transparent. I then propose a set of transparency conditions that should be met when operating algorithms in the criminal justice system.
Date:
2019
Advisor:
Maclaurin, James; LeBuffe, Michael
Degree Name:
Master of Arts
Degree Discipline:
Philosophy
Publisher:
University of Otago
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; Algorithms; Criminal Justice; Transparency; New Zealand
Research Type:
Thesis
Collections
- Philosophy [49]
- Thesis - Masters [3047]