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Open Source is Not Enough: The Importance of Al...

Open Source is Not Enough: The Importance of Algorithm Transparency

These are slides from Rachel Shadoan's OSBridge talk on Algorithm Transparency. Opaque algorithms increasingly control our access to information, on the web and beyond. Why is that a problem, and what can we do about it?

Akashic Labs

June 26, 2014
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  1. Outputs Depend on Inputs Yogurt Mango Ice 1.Place inputs in

    blender 2.Blend until smooth Smoothie No ingredients → No smoothie
  2. Outputs Depend on Inputs Rocks Wood chips Motor oil 1.Place

    inputs in blender 2.Blend until smooth Giant mess Bad ingredients → bad smoothie
  3. Evaluating the quality of the inputs we receive is necessary

    to evaluate the quality of our thoughts
  4. Unknown Unknowns Really Complex Biological Stuff Thoughts and Actions Opaque

    algorithms interfere with our ability to evaluate the validity/value of inputs to our brain algorithm ???? ???? Opaque (“Black Box”) Algorithm
  5. Algorithm Transparency Means No Secrets • Inputs can be scrutinized

    • Control surfaces are clearly described • Algorithm steps and internal state can be scrutinized • Assumptions and models used by the algorithm are clearly described • Justification available for outputs produced
  6. Open those opaque boxes! • Support projects that use transparent

    algorithms • Demand transparency from the opaque algorithms you use • Foster algorithm transparency in your own projects
  7. Talk to Your Users • How do they think it

    works? • What control do they think they have over its outputs? • What do they wish they knew about it?
  8. Document, Document, Document • What inputs does the algorithm work

    on? • What internal state does the algorithm maintain? • What assumptions/models does the algorithm use? • What control surfaces does the algorithm have? • For any given result, why was that result produced?
  9. Credits Al McNutty, CC 2.0, via Flickr Megan Amaral, CC

    2.0, via Flickr Kyle aka Wackyland, CC 2.0, via Flickr UConn Libraries MAGIC, CC 2.0, via Flickr Pete aka ComedyNose, CC 2.0, via Flickr Smithsonian’s National Zoo, CC 2.0, via Flickr