Accountability in Algorithms

Accountability in algorithms means ensuring that the use and outcomes of algorithms are transparent and responsible. It involves establishing who is responsible for their design, deployment, and impact, and making sure they perform fairly, ethically, and accurately. When algorithms influence decisions—like hiring, lending, or healthcare—accountability ensures that any errors, biases, or harms can be traced back and addressed. Essentially, it’s about holding creators and users of algorithms answerable for their effects, maintaining trust, and promoting fairness in automated systems.