AlgorithmWatch is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in Berlin and Zurich. We fight for a world where algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) do not weaken justice, human rights, democracy and sustainability, but strengthen them.

Automation on the Move

Systems based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making (ADM) are increasingly being experimented with and used on migrants, refugees, and travelers. Too often, this is done without adequate democratic discussion or oversight. In addition, their use lacks transparency and justification to those who are subjected to these systems, as a growing body of literature and evidence shows. This needs to change.

Irem Kurt for AlgorithmWatch, CC BY 4.0

Blog

15 November 2024

#ai #fellowship

Algorithmic Accountability Reporting Fellowship

New Cohort of Fellows to Research the Political Economy Behind AI

Two years after launching our Algorithmic Accountability Reporting Fellowship, we are excited to introduce a new cohort of journalists and data scientists who will work on stories about the foundations of Artificial Intelligence and its supply chain.

Clarote & AI4Media / Better Images of AI / Labour/Resources / CC-BY 4.0

The Rise and Fall of a Predictive Policing Pioneer

KeyCrime was a first of its kind, a company dedicated to using Artificial Intelligence to identify recurring patterns in serial crime. The European Union’s AI Act, however, dealt the project a mortal blow. But the idea lives on.

Foto von Immo Wegmann auf Unsplash

Explainer: Biometric recognition systems

Show Your Face and AI Tells Who You Are

Biometric recognition technologies can identify and monitor people. They are supposed to provide more security, but they put fundamental rights at risk, discriminate, and can even pave the way to mass surveillance.

Researching Systemic Risks under the Digital Services Act

AlgorithmWatch has been investigating the concept of "systemic risks" under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the new EU regulation which aims to minimize risks and increase accountability for online platforms and search engines.

Foto von Mel Poole auf Unsplash

Blog

26 August 2022 (update: 14 November 2024)

#aiact #eu #germany #guide

Explainer: AI act

A guide to the AI Act, the EU’s new AI rulebook

In 2024, the EU adopted a law to regulate Artificial Intelligence across all sectors. The regulation is a humble step forward towards protecting people’s fundamental rights from risks stemming from AI. In this guide we will unwrap what the new rules entail and what it will – and will not – change.

Blog

17 July 2024

#hr #work

Explainer: AI in the workplace

Managed by the algorithm: how AI is changing the way we work

Automated decision-making systems control our work, whether in companies or via platforms that allocate jobs to independent contractors. Companies can use them to increase their efficiency, but such systems have a downside: They can also be used to surveil employees and often conceal the exploitation of workers and the environment.

Blog

9 July 2024

#aiact #work

Explainer: AI & labor law

What works and what doesn’t: AI systems and labor law

In many companies, employees are controlled by automated systems, especially in platform work. The use of such systems in the (virtual) workplace is not yet comprehensively regulated by law. New (draft) laws are intended to help workers protect their rights.

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Blog

Upcoming events, campaigns and updates from our team – here is where you get your news about AlgorithmWatch. Visit our blog

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December 2, 2024

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October 22, 2024

The Automation of Fortress Europe: Behind the Black Curtain

October 22, 2024

Automating EU Borders, Broken Checks and Balances

Journalistic stories

How does automated decision-making effect our daily lives? Where are the systems applied and what happens when something goes wrong? Read our journalistic investigations on the current use of ADM systems and their consequences. Read our stories

July 18, 2024

For Trans People, Online Transitioning Can Be a Nightmare

May 29, 2024

Image Generators Are Trying to Hide Their Biases – And They Make Them Worse

May 27, 2024

“All Rise For the Honorable AI”: Algorithmic Management in Polish Electronic Courts

Projects

Our research projects take a specific look at automated decision-making in certain sectors, ranging from sustainablity, the COVID-19 pandemic, human resources to social media platfroms and public discourse. You can also get involved! Engage and contribute, for example with a data donation! Learn more about our projects

October 5, 2023

ChatGPT and Co: Are AI-driven search engines a threat to democratic elections?

January 19, 2023

New project: Auditing Algorithms for Systemic Risks

April 1, 2021

SustAIn: The Sustainability Index for Artificial Intelligence

Positions

Read our responses and expert analyses on current political and regulatory developments concerning automated decision-making. Read our positions

June 6, 2024

Meta’s elections dashboard: A very disappointing sign

May 29, 2024

Recommendations for the EU Elections 2024

April 11, 2024

If the UN wants to help humanity, it should not fall for AI hype

Publications

Read our comprehensive reports, analyses and working papers on the impact and ethical questions of algorithmic decision-making, written in collaboration with our network of researchers and civil society experts. See our publications

February 14, 2024

Ensuring Legitimacy in Stakeholder Engagement: The ‘5 Es’ Framework

December 15, 2023

AI Chatbot produces misinformation about elections

November 21, 2023

SustAIn Magazine #3 – A Different Take on AI: We Decide What AI Has To Do for Us