Algorithms for Smart World Technologies

Chapter 6Ethics and Algorithmic Boundaries

6.1 Introduction

In today’s information-centric societies, tasks, decisions, and judgments that once relied heavily on human intervention are increasingly being delegated to algorithmic systems. These systems not only offer suggestions but are also capable of independently interpreting data and determining actions based on that interpretation. Their influence spans numerous fields: profiling and classification systems are shaping how individuals and groups are perceived and managed. Recommendation engines now guide users on matters ranging from fitness routines and product purchases to navigation and social interaction. Moreover, data mining techniques are being utilized to extract meaning from behavioral patterns generated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Online platforms mediate access to information through personalization and filtering mechanisms, while machine learning (ML) models, such as Wikipedia’s Objective Revision Evaluation Service, aim to detect misinformation and bias during content generation.

These developments underscore a growing trend: our understanding of the world, and our interactions within it, are increasingly mediated by algorithms. Crucially, algorithms are not value-neutral. Their operational logic is shaped by design choices and user configurations, often reflecting particular goals or normative assumptions. As such, they tend to privilege certain values and interests over others. Functioning within ...