The Algorithm Charter community of practice gathered in September for a kōrero on ‘giving life to the Charter’. The focus was on sharing the good mahi being done in government agencies.
NZ Police gave a fascinating presentation on their journey to develop a new technology framework designed to help them ensure that any new technology, including algorithms, adheres to security, legal, privacy and ethical requirements.
The Social Wellbeing Agency and Te Whatu Ora also shared how they apply the Algorithm Charter when assessing algorithms and AI.
Stats NZ provided an update on the Algorithm Impact Assessment tools that are being developed, and posed some questions that got everyone thinking, including "should we define what an algorithm is, or does that make it easier to opt out?"
There was also a report-back on international research that some members had been doing since the last hui, including research into the algorithms used in the U.S. Child Welfare System. The research illustrated that those working in the system needed to be involved in the algorithm design, and that a strengths-based approach was needed to produce more equitable outcomes.
Despite increasing the length of the hui to two hours, it still raced by. We are now focussing on ways we can continue the momentum and make it easier for the community of practice to continue to bring the Charter alive.
The Algorithm Charter community of practice provides a forum for government people to share information, experience, challenges, and best practice about implementing the commitments of the Charter.