Topic– Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
5) There is a need for adequate legal, organisational framework to regulate bias in algorithms, In case of India. Critically analyze.(250 words)
Why this question
Today the rise of algorithms and the AI is being seen inevitable. In this context it is important to discuss the need for adequate institutional framework to regulate inherent bias in algorithms and AI.
Directive word
Critically analyze- here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts, and present them as a whole in a summary. based on our discussion we have to form a concluding opinion on the issue.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to look deeper into the inherent bias in algorithms and bring out why there is a need for adequate legal, organizational framework in India to take care of the algorithm bias.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the rise of AI and algorithms. E.g The reasons for the increasing reliance on algorithms are evident. First, an algorithm can make decisions more efficiently than human beings, thus indicating its superiority to human rationality. Second, an algorithm can provide emotional distance — it could be less “uncomfortable” to let a machine make difficult decisions for you.
Body-
- DIscuss about the bias in algorithms. E.g
- A machine learning algorithm is designed to learn from patterns in its source data. Sometimes, such data may be polluted due to record-keeping flaws, biased community inputs and historical trends.
- Other sources of bias include insufficient data, correlation without causation and a lack of diversity in the database. The algorithm is encouraged to replicate existing biases and a vicious circle is created.
- Bias can lead algorithms to make unfair decisions by reinforcing systemic discrimination. For example, a predictive policing algorithm used for foretelling future crimes may disproportionately target poor persons etc.
- Bring out the need for an adequate legal and organizational framework to tackle the issue. E.g
- The extant law in India is glaringly inadequate. Our framework of constitutional and administrative law is not geared towards assessing decisions made by non-human actors.
- Further, India has not yet passed a data protection law and the existing SPDI rules issued under the IT Act, 2000 do not cover algorithmic bias.
- The first step to a legal response would be passing an adequate personal data protection law.
- The right to the logic of automated decisions can be provided to individuals. Such a right will have to balance the need for algorithmic transparency with organisational interests.
- A general anti-discrimination and equality legislation can be passed, barring algorithmic discrimination on the basis of gender, caste, religion, sexual orientation, disability etc in both the public and private sectors etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
